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THE 

PICTURE 

OE 

NEW-YORK, 

OR  THE 

STRANGER'S  GUIDE 

TO  THE 

COMMERCIAL  METROPOLIS 

OE  THE 

UNITED  STATES. 

NEW-YORK: 
A.  T.  GOODRICH,  124  BROADWAY. 

1825. 


PREFACE. 


A  work  of  the  following  description  has  been  long 
wanted,  and  repeatedly  called  for.  It  seems  rather 
singular  that  a  city  so  extensive,  so  populous,  and 
possessing  so  many  institutions  and  attractions  as  the 
maritime  capital  of  the  United  States,  should  have 
been  so  long  without  a  Guide  to  direct  the  Stranger, 
and  furnish  to  the  citizen  useful  information  as  to  her 
municipal  regulations. 

In  the  year  1807,  an  attempt  was  made  to  remedy 
this  defect,  by  a  publication  entitled  "  A  Picture  of 
New-York,"  possessing  considerable  merit,  and 
which  might  have  been  greatly  improved,  had  the 
idea  been  cherished  and  acted  upon.  This,  how- 
ever, was  not  done ;  so  that  for  a  period  of  ten  years, 
during  which  this  city  has  risen  in  opulence,  and  the 
arts  and  sciences  have  advanced  with  a  rapidity  un- 
exampled in  history,  these  progressions  towards  re- 
finement have  gone  on  so  silently,  that  it  will  be  a 
matter  of  no  small  difficulty  to  convince  many  fo- 
reigners of  their  actual  existence.  Nor  will  this  ap- 
pear improbable  when  it  is  considered,  that  until  the 
recent  triumphs  of  the  arms  of  the  United  States,  the 
inhabitants  of  these  fertile  regions  were  regarded,  in 
many  parts  of  Europe,  particularly  in  the  mother 


country,  as  a  nest  of  demi-barbarians,  utterly  un- 
acquainted with  the  useful  arts,  and  destitute  of 
every  social  virtue  ! 

By  giving  correct  views  of  our  establishments, 
the  strong-  hold  of  prejudice,  now  shaken  to  the  cen- 
tre, will  ultimately  be  broken  down,  and  the  most 
bigotted  insensibly  drawn  to  respect  a  people,  whose 
friendship  it  is  their  interest  at  all  times  to  cultivate, 
and  from  the  study  of  whose  political  and  social  in- 
stitutions, it  is  not  impossible,  they  may  derive  some 
advantage. 

The  Editor  has  spared  no  pains  to  render  this  little 
volume  generally  acceptable.  Although  it  was  ori- 
ginally and  principally  intended  for  the  use  of  stran- 
gers, it  is  presumed  that  those  who  have  been  con- 
stant residents  in  the  city,  will  find  it  Qvaluable  as  a 
book  of  reference.  The  tables  contained  in  the 
Appendix,  and  other  useful  matter,  cannot  fail  to 
render  it  a  desirable  work  to  every  class  in  society, 
especially  such  as  are  more  immediately  engaged  in 
trade  and  commerce. 

It  will  readily  be  perceived,  that  it  must  have  oc- 
casioned great  labour  to  bring  into  one  view  such  a 
variety  of  scattered  materials.  This  circumstance 
is  not  mentioned  to  excuse  any  defects  that  may  ap- 
pear in  the  execution,  but  as  an  apology  for  those 
omissions  inseparable  from  a  work  of  this  description, 
where  the  topics  discussed  regard  a  country  in  which 
alterations  and  improvements  are  daily  taking  place 
in  almost  every  department.  Perfection  is  not  to  be 
looked  for  in  these  circumstances :  If  the  writer  has 
faithfully  and  zealously  employed  his  pen,  he  will  not 


PREFACE. 


V 


likely  be  censured  for  unavoidable  errors.  Where 
any  such  appear,  he  will  be  grateful  if  they  are 
pointed  out,  and  prompt  in  their  correction. 

It  would  be  unpardonable  not  to  notice  the  ready 
and  handsome  manner  with  which  the  facts,  neces- 
sary for  this  work,  were  furnished  by  every  one  to 
whom  the  Editor  had  occasion  to  apply.  Whatever 
merit  it  may  possess,  he  considers  them  entitled  to 
the  greatest  share  of  it ;  and,  as  the  best  acknowledg- 
ment he  could  make  for  their  assistance,  it  has  been 
his  most  anxious  wish  and  endeavour  to  render  the 
compilation  deserving'  of  their  patronage,  and  that  of 
a  liberal  and  enlightened  community. 

NewYork,  ) 


CONTENTS, 


Page, 


Historical  Sketch   13 

General  Description  3Q 

Plan  and  Extent  of  the  City         .      .  33 

Dwelling  Houses   34 

Streets,  &c.   35 

Public  Markets         .  .      •%      .  38 

Hotels  and  Boarding  Houses    ,       ,       .  41 

Population         ......  43 

Public  Buildings       .       .       ,       • '     .  45 

City  Hall    ......  ib. 

Council  Room    ....  48 

Governor's  Room      .       .       .  54 

Court  of  Sessions      .       .       •  58 

Supreme  Court  ...  59 

Court  of  Chancery     .       .       ..  ib* 


if  1'HhrACE. 

country,  as  a  nest  of  demi-barbarians,  utterly  un- 
acquainted with  the  useful  arts,  and  destitute  of 
every  social  virtue ! 

By  giving  correct  views  of  our  establishments, 
(he  strong  hold  of  prejudice,  now  shaken  to  the  cen- 
tre, will  ultimately  be  broken  down,  and  the  most 
bigotted  insensibly  drawn  to  respect  a  people,  whose 
friendship  it  is  their  interest  at  all  times  to  cultivate, 
and  from  the  study  of  whose  political  and  social  in- 
stitutions, it  is  not  impossible,  they  may  derive  some 
advantage. 

The  Editor  has  spared  no  pains  to  render  this  little 
volume  generally  acceptable.  Although  it  was  ori- 
ginally and  principally  intended  for  the  use  of  stran- 
gers, it  is  presumed  that  those  who  have  been  con- 
stant residents  in  the  city,  will  find  it  ^valuable  as  a 
book  of  reference.  The  tables  contained  in  the 
Appendix,  and  other  useful  matter,  cannot  fail  to 
render  it  a  desirable  work  to  every  class  in  society, 
especially  such  as  are  more  immediately  engaged  in 
trade  and  commerce. 

It  will  readily  be  perceived,  that  it  must  have  oc- 
casioned great  labour  to  bring  into  one  view  such  a 
variety  of  scattered  materials.  This  circumstance 
is  not  mentioned  to  excuse  any  defects  that  may  ap- 
pear in  the  execution,  but  as  an  apology  for  those 
omissions  inseparable  from  a  work  of  this  description, 
where  the  topics  discussed  regard  a  country  in  which 
alterations  and  improvements  are  daily  taking  place 
in  almost  every  department.  Perfection  is  not  to  be 
looked  for  in  these  circumstances :  If  the  writer  has 
faithfully  and  zealously  employed  his  pen,  he  will  not 


PREFACE. 


V 


likely  be  censured  for  unavoidable  errors.  Where 
any  such  appear,  he  will  be  grateful  if  they  are 
pointed  out,  and  prompt  in  their  correction. 

It  would  be  unpardonable  not  to  notice  the  ready 
and  handsome  manner  with  which  the  facts,  neces- 
sary for  this  work,  were  furnished  by  every  one  to 
whom  the  Editor  had  occasion  to  apply.  Whatever 
merit  it  may  possess,  he  considers  them  entitled  to 
the  greatest  share  of  it ;  and,  as  the  best  acknowledg- 
ment he  could  make  for  their  assistance,  it  has  been 
his  most  anxious  wish  and  endeavour  to  render  the 
compilation  deserving  of  their  patronage,  and  that  oi 
a  liberal  and  enlightened  community. 

New  York,  ) 


CONTENTS, 


Page, 


Historical  Sketch   IS 

General  Description       ....  30 

Plan  and  Extent  of  the  City         .       .  33 

Dwelling  Houses   34 

Streets,  &c.   35 

Public  Markets         •       .       .      ^      .  38 

Hotels  and  Boarding  Houses    ...  41 

Population          ......  43 

Public  Buildings   45 

City  Hall    ......  ib. 

Council  Room    ....  48 

Governor's  Room  54 

Court  of  Sessions      .       .       •  58 

Supreme  Court          ...  59 

Court  of  Chancery     .       .       .  %b* 


viii 


CONTENTS. 


IVTnirnr'Q  Onurf 

11 1  Ay  KJl    S  vUUI  l             •              «              .  . 

Of 

District  Court  of  the  United  States 

61 

Circuit  Court  of  the  United  States 

ib. 

Surrogate's  Office          .  . 

ib. 

Register  for  the  city  and  County 

63 

Marine  or  Justices  Court       .  . 

ib. 

Police  Department       .       .  . 

64 

City  Watch  .... 

65 

New-York  Hospital     .       .       .  . 

66 

The  Hospital  .... 

ib. 

Lunatic  Asylum  ... 

71 

Lying-in  Hospital         .       .  • 

74 

Alms  House  

ib. 

Columbia  College  .... 

80 

College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  • 

82 

•Ttf  edical  Societies          •       •       .  -  • 

87 

Botanic  Garden  

89 

Neiv-York  Institution 

92 

The  Literary  and  P  hilosophical  Society  93 

The  Historical  Society 

95 

The  American  Academy  of  the  Fine  Arts  97 

The  Lyceum  of  Natural  History  . 

99 

The  American  Museum 

01 

104 

State  Prison  .... 

ib. 

Penitentiary  .... 

114 

Bridewell  ..... 

117 

Jail,  or  Debtor's  Prison 

119 

Board  of  Health  .... 

122 

'ITER ART  ESTABLISHMENTS 

Newspapers 


124 

ib 


CONTENTS.  IX 

Magazines  or  periodical  journals  .  127 

New-York  Society  Library  .  .  .  129 
Reading  Rooms  .       .       .  .130 

Booksellers  9        .  ib. 

Private  Schools  and  Academies      .       .  131 
Philological  Society     .       .       .       .  ib. 
Free  Schools  No.  I.  II.  aad  III.  .      .  132 

Public  Amusements  135 

The  Theatre  ib. 

Vauxhall  Garden        .       .       •  .136 

The  Circus  ib. 

Gallery  of  Paintings  ,  .  .  .137 
Mechanical  Panorama  .  .  ,138 
Naval  Panorama  ...  *  139 
Battery  Walk      .       .       .       .       .  ib. 

Bowling  Green  140 

Park   141 

Marine  Baths  ib. 

Commercial  Establishments  .  .  .  143 
Custom  House  .  .  .  .  .  144 
Chamber  of  Commerce   .       .       .  .145 

Post  Office  147 

Banks  and  Banking  Houses  .       .  151 

General  Regulations  ib. 
Bank  of  New- York      .       .  .152. 
Manhattan  Bank  •  ib. 

Merchants'  Bank.  ...  153 
Mechanics'  Bank  ib. 
Union  Bank  ....  ib. 
Bank  of  America  .  •  ■  154 
City  Bank  ib. 
Phenix  Bank       .       .  <     .       .  ib. 


CONTENTS. 


Saving  Bank   154 

Exchange  Bank  ib. 

Bank  of  the  United  States    .       .  ib. 

Insurance  Companies         .       .       .  155 

New- York  Insurance  Company     .  ib. 

Mutual  Insurance  Company  .       .  %b. 

Washington  Insurance  Company    .  ib. 

Phoenix  Insurance  Company .       .  156 

Ocean  Insurance  Company    .       .  ib. 

New-York  Firemen  Insurance  Comp.  ib. 

Globe  Insurance  Company  .  .  ib. 
American  Insurance  Company  of  N.  Y.  ib. 

Fire  Department         .       .       .  .157 

Manufacturing  Companies           .       .  160 

The  Commission  Company   .       .  161 

Eagle  Manufacturing  Company     .  ib. 

North  American  Coal  Company     .  162 

Coal  Company      ....  ib. 

Copper  Manufacturing  Company   •  ib. 

Patent  Cloth  Company  ...  163 

Patent  Oil  Company  tb. 

Mining,  Smelting  and  Refining  Comp.  164 

Linen  Company     .  ib. 

Sterling  Company  ....  ib. 

Fur  Company       ....  165 

Paint  Manufacturing  Company      .  165 

Manufacturing  Company       .       .  ib. 

Slate  Company  ib. 

Sugar  Refining  Company       .  ib. 

American  Society  for  the  encouragement  of 

Domestic  Manufactures   .       .  166 


CONTENTS.  Xi 

Steam-Boat  Companies  .  .  .  167 
The  Fultoji  Steam-Boat  Company  .  174 
The   York  and  Jersey  Steam-Boat 

Ferry  Company        .       .  ,175 
Brooklyn  Ferry  Company    .       .  ib. 
Benevolent,  Charitable  and  Friendly 
Institutions  and  Societies         .  176 

Humane  Society  ....  177 

New-York  Dispemary        .       .  .179 

Vaccine  or  Kine  Pock  Institution        .  ib. 

Deaf  and  Dumb  Institution        .       .  180 

Manumission  Society  ib. 

Marine  Society  .       .       .  .181 

Sailors'1  Snug  Harbour        .       .       .  ib. 

Shamrock  Friendly  Association  .  182 

Tammany  or  Columbian  Order  .  183 

Society  of  Cincinnati  •       .       .  ib. 

Provident  Society         .       .       .  .184 

Mutual  Benefit  Society  ib. 

Benevolent  Society  .  ib. 

A  Ibion  Benevolent  Society  •       .  ib. 

Female  Society  for  the  relief  of  poor  Wi- 
dows with  small  Children  .       .       .  ib. 

Society  for  the  relief  of  distressed  firemen  ib. 

General  Society  of  Mechanics  and  Trades- 
men 186 

House  Carpenters'*  Society  .      .  ib. 

Masonic  Societies        .       .  .  ib. 

German  Society  .       .       .  .185 

St.  Andrew's  Society  ib. 

St.  Patricks  Society  •       •       '  ib. 

St.  George's  Society  .  ib. 

New  England  Society        .      .      >  187 


CONTENT*. 


Assistance  Society  ....  187 
Butchers''  Benevolent  Society  .  .  if). 
Agtd,  Indigent,  Female  Society  .  .  l0. 
Female  Association  .  .  .  .  ib. 
Widows'*  Friend  Society  .  .  .188 
Pilots'1  Charitable  Society  ib. 
Female  Assistance  Society  ib. 
Roman  Catholic  Benevolent  Society  .  189 
Religious  Institutions  .       .       ,  ib. 

Churches,  Chapels,  and  Meeting- Houses  193 
Missionary  Societies         .  .       .  197 

New- York  Missionary  Society       .  ib. 

Young  Men's  Missionary  Society  198 

N.Y.  Evangelical  Society  of  Yonng  Men  ib. 

United  Foreign  Missionary  Society  ib. 

New-York  Baptist  Missionary  Society  ib. 

  Female  Society         .       .•  ib. 

 Foreign  and  Domestic  Society  ib. 

Magdalen  Society  of  New-York  199 

Society  for  supporting  the  gospel  among 
the  poor  in  the  city  of  New-York  ib. 

Female  Missionary  Society  .  ib. 

Amer.  Soc.  for  evangelizing  the  Jews  199 

Episcopal  Society  ib. 
Bible  Societies  ....  200 

American  Bible  Society        .       .  ib« 

N.  Y.  Bible  and  Com.  P.  B.  Society  ib. 

N.  Y.  Bible  Society  ib. 

Auxiliary  N.  Y.  Bible  Society      .  ib. 

  and  Com.  P.  B.  Society  ib. 

N.  Y.  Female  Aux.  Bible  Society  201 

N.  Y.  Union  Bible  Society  .  ib. 


CONTENTS. 


xiii 


Female  Juvenile  Aux.  Bible  Society  201 

Marine  Bible  Society           .       .  ib. 

N.  Y.  African  Bible  Society         .  ib. 

Tract  Societies                    ...  ib. 

N.  Y.  Religious  Tract  Society  ib. 

Protestant  Epis.  Tract  Society  202 

N.  Y.  Methodist  Tract  Society  ib. 

Education  Societies      ....  ib. 
Soc.  for  promoting  Religion  and  Learning  ib. 

Protestant  Epis.  Charity  School  .  tb. 
Society  for  educating  poor  and  pious 

youth  for  the  Ministry       *       .  ib. 

Two  Female  Cent  Societies          .  ib. 

The  Ursuline  Convent          .       .  ib. 

Orphan  Asylum  Society       .       .  ib. 

N.  Y.  Sunday  School  Union  Society  204 
Bay  and  Harbour,  Docks,  Wharves,  and 

slips   ib. 

Sandy  Hook,  Long-Island,  Staten-Island, 
and  Hell  Gate  .       .       .  .209 

Sandy  Hook        .       .       .       .       .  ib. 

Long-Island   210 

Staten-Island   ib. 

Hell  Gate   ib. 

Forts  and  Fortifications              .       .  212 


APPENDIX. 

I.  Time  of  sailing  of  Steam-Boats,  Horse- 
Boats,  Trading  Vessels,  &c.    Rates  and 

Regulations        .....  221 


xiv 


CONTENTS. 


II.  Departure  of  Mail  and  other  Stages. 
Rates  and  Regulations       .       .       .  229 

III.  Hackney  Coach  and  Carriage  Rates 


and  Regulations         ....  232 

IV.  Cart  and  Cartmens'  Rates  and  Regu- 
lations  236 

V.  Porters'  Rates  and  Regulations  240 

VI.  Chimney  Sweepers'  Rate*  and  Regu- 
lations   242 

VII.  Abstract  of  Corporation  Laws  and 
Ordinances    243 

Observance  of  Sunday  .       .       .       .  ib. 

Street  Preaching   ib. 

Gambling    .       .       .•       .       .       .  ib. 

Masquerades        .....  244 

Bathing    -   ib. 

Flying  Kites   ib» 

Horses  and  Horse  Racing  ib. 

Balls  .......  ib. 

City  Inspector    .        .       .       .       .  ib. 

Nuisances       .       .      • .       .       .       .  ib. 

Night  Scavengers  •        .       o       .  ib. 

Filth  and  Dirt        ....  245 

Bills  of  Mortality  .       .  .251 

Streets    ib. 

Pits,  Vaults  or  Wells      .       .       .  252 

Railings   ib. 

Cellar  lights,  porticoes,  &c.             .  ib. 

Posts    ib. 

Obstructions            .       .       .       .  ib. 

Trees    i°. 

Carts  and  Carriages        .       .  . 


CONTENTS. 


XV 


Goods  and  Merchandize  .  .  252 
Cross  Walks            .       .       .  .253 

Earth    ib. 

Buildings          .       .       .  ib. 

Fire  Wood       .       .       .       .       .  ib. 

Retailors  of  Liquors  ib. 

Swine  ib. 

Tin  plate  and  Earthenware     .  .       .  ib. 

Awnings          .....  254 

Lime  ib. 

Sales  by  Auction        .       .       .       .  ib. 

Coal   255 

Rivers 

Manure       ......  ib. 

Hay   ib. 

Dogs   256 

Vaults  and  Cisterns  ib. 

Guns   ib. 

Park,  Battery,  and  Bowling  Green        .  ib. 

Squibs  and  Crackers      .       .       .  ib. 

Snow  and  Ice             ....  ib. 

Raising  and  Lowering  Merchandise  ib. 

Vegetables.    257 

Blowing  Horns   ib. 

Hand  Bills   ib. 

Pumps   ib. 

Partition  Fences          .       .       .       .  ib. 

Weights  and  Measures         .       .       .  ib. 

Fish     .    ib. 

Fines  and  Penalties  ib. 
VIII.  Assize  of  Bread  and  Inspectors  Re- 
gulations   258 


VI 


CON  TENTS. 


IX.  Weigh  Masters  and  Measurers  Rates 
and  Regulations     .....  261 

X.  Market  Regulations  .       .       .  263 

XI.  Money  Tables.— -Weights  and  Measures  268 

XII.  Wharfage  and  Cranage.  Rates  and 
Regulations.  —  Regulations  oe  the 
Wharves  and  Slips        ....  274 

XIII.  Harbour  Masters  Rates  and  Regula- 
tions       .......  277 

XIV.  Gun  Powder  Rfgulati©ns       .       .  279 

XV.  Inspectors  of  Native  Produce  .  281 

Staves  and  Heading  ib. 
Pot  and  Pearl  Ashes  ....  282 
Soal  Leather        .  284 

Flour  and  Meal  ib. 

Beef  and  Pork       .....  287 

Navy  Beef  and  Pork     .       .       .       .  290 

Fish    .......  291 

Spirits   .  293 

XVI.  Masters  and  Wardens  of  the  Port  293 

XVII.  Pilots  Rates  and  Regulations       .  295 

XVIII.  Humane  Society  Directions         .  297 

XIX.  Servants  and  Slave  Regulations  299 

Addenda. 

The  Forum  306 


Directions  for  placing  the  Plates. 

Plan  of  the  City  to  front  the  title  page. 

City  Hall  to  front  ....       page  45 

Alms  House  74 

State  Prison  ......  104 


THE 


STRANGER'S  GUIDE 

TO  THE 

City  of  New -York. 


HISTORICAL  SKETCH. 

The  north  east  coast  of  America,  from  cape  Flor 
ida  to  674  N.  lat.  was  discovered  in  the  year  1499  by 
Sabastian  Cabot,  who  was  employed  by  Henry  VII. 
king  of  England,  to  discover  a  north-west  passage  to 
China.  But  it  was  not  till  the  year  1608  that,  what  is 
now  called,  Hudson's  river,  with  the  islands  at  its  en- 
trance, were  discovered  by  Henry  Hudson  an  English- 
man.* Previous  to  this,  the  whole  country  visited  by 
Cabot  had  been  taken  possession  of  in  name  of  the 
English  Sovereigns,  and  charters  granted  by  them  to 
different  companies,  who  formed  settlements  there. 
These  charters  having  embraced  the  mouth  and  a 


*  The  humorous  and  satirical  author  of  the  History  of  Keiv-Tork 
fromlhe  beginning  of  the  world  to  tlieend  of  the  Dutch  Dynasty,  makes 
Henry  Hudson  a  Dutchman,  although  he  associates  with  him  Sir 
Walter  Raleigh,  from  whom  he  acquired  tbe  elegant  accomplish- 
ment of  smoking  tobacco,  and  gives  him  another  Englishman  of  the 
name  of  Juet  as  chief  mate  and  favourite  companion.  This,  however, 
was  pardonable  in  a  work  like  Knickerbocker  s,  whose  object,  evi. 
dently,  was  not  to  dispute  facts,  but  to  ridicule  the  pretensions  of 
those  who,  right  or  wrong,  ascribe  the  discovery  of  the  Hudson  to  a 
Dutchman.  To  such  as  read  for  entertainment  chiefly*  we  would 
recommend  the  perusal  of  Knickerbocker.  In  point  of  real  humour 
and  characteristic  description  of  low  life,  he  is  equal  to  Smollet  or 
Richardson;  and  in  the  happy  manner  in  which  he  exposes  'folly  as 
flies,''  and  drags  the  enemies  of  liberty  and  social  happiness  to  light, 
he  has  been  as  successful  as  any  writer  of  that  description  in  Europe/ 


u 


THE  STRANGER'S  OUIDE 


large  portion  of  the  Hudson,  though  unexplored,  this 
circumstance  was  afterwards  founded  upon  by  the 
English  government  to  justify  the  occupation  of  this 
territory,  and  to  drive  out  the  Dutch  who  were  in 
possession  of  the  place.  Henry  Hudson,  it  is  said, 
sold  his  discovery  to  the  Dutch  West  India  Com- 
pany, without  consulting  the  king  of  England  ;  but, 
whatever  may  be  in  this,  it  is  pretty  certain  that 
the  Dutch  were  the  first  settlers  on  this  part  of  the 
Hudson. 

When  the  Dutch  first  became  acquainted  with 
New- York  island,  it  was  called  by  the  Indians  the 
island  of  Manhattan,*  and  its  situation  and  general 
appearance,  in  every  respect,  held  out  the  most  in- 
viting prospects  to  new  settlers.  Flattering  accounts 
regarding  it  having  reached  Holland,  the  Dutch 
West  India  Company  were  not  long  in  establishing  a 
trading  concern  on  the  Hudson,  which,  in  a  few 
years,  turned  out  very  profitable.  This  coming  to 
the  knowledge  of  the  English  South  Virginia  Com- 


*  Knickerbocker  derives  the  word  Manlmt'an  from  Manna,  to 
signify  ua  land  flowing  with  milk,  and  honey."  The  lively  de- 
scription which  he  gives  of  it,  when  descried  by  Hudson  and  his  crew 
from  the  dc»k  of  their  vessel  msv  well  justify  this  appellation.—  "  It 
was,  indeed,  a  spot  on  which  the  eye  might  have  revelled  for  ever,  in 
ever  new,  and  never  ending  beauties  The  island  of  Manna-hata 
spread  wide  before  them,  like  some  sweet  vision  of  fancy,  or  some 
fair  creation  of  industrious  magic  Its  hills  of  smiling  green  swelled 
gently  one  above  another,  crowned  with  lofty  trees  of  luxuriant 
growth  ;  some  pointing  their  tapering  foliage  towards  the  clouds# 
which  were  gloriously  transparent;  and  others,  loaded  with  a  verdant 
fcurthenof  clambering  vines,  bowing  their  branches  to  the  earth  that 
was  covered  with  flowers  On  the  gentle  declivities  of  the  hills  were 
scattered,  in  gay  profusion,  the  dogwood  the  sumach,  and  the  wild 
briar,  whose  scarlet  berries  and  white  blossoms  glowed  brightly  among 
the  deep  green  efthe  surrounding  foliage;  and  here  and  there  a  curl, 
ing  column  of  smoke  rising  from  the  little  fclens  that  opened  along 
*he  shore,  seemed  to  promise  the  weary  voyager  a  welcome  at  the 
Vrvtfc  of  their  fellow  creatures." 


tO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YOftK;  15 

pany,  it  naturally  excited  their  jealousy,  and  led 
them  to  devise  schemes  by  which  to  turn  this  ad- 
vantageous trade  to  their  own  account. — According- 
ly, having*  gone  over  their  musty  charters,  they  discov- 
ered what,  they  conceived,  gave  them  a  good  right 
and  title,  forthwith,  to  dislodge  the  Dutch ;  and  in  the 
year  1618,  under  the  hollow  pretence  of  obliging 
them  to  acknowledge  submission  to  the  English 
crown,  they  drove  them  out  of  the  territory  by  force  of 
arms.  About  two  years  afterwards,  however,  we  find 
the  Dutch  again  occupying  this  favourite  spot,  under 
the  permission  of  king  James  I.  who  gave  them  leave 
to  erect  some  temporary  buildings,  to  supply  their 
vessels  engaged  in  the  Brazil  trade,  which  touched 
there,  with  water  and  provisions. 

These  settlers,  disposed  to  give  a  most  ample  con- 
struction to  the  permission  of  the  English  king,  very 
soon  planted  a  colony,  and  designated  it  by  the  high 
sounding  title  of  the  New  Netherlands,  giving  the 
name  of  New  Amsterdam  to  the  huts  which  they  had 
reared.  Nor  did  they  confine  their  views  to  the  island 
of  Manhattan : — they  included  the  whole  of  New  Jer- 
sey, Hudson's  river,  the  greater  part  of  what  is  now 
New- York  and  Pennsylvania,  lying  on  both  sides  of 
New  Jersey,  in  their  infant  and  aspiring  colony. 
Against  these  encroachments  the  English  government 
contented  itself,  at  first,  with  complaining  to  the 
States  General,  who  entirely  disclaimed  them,  de- 
claring that  it  was  a  private  adventure  of  the  West 
India  Company  of  Amsterdam. 

From  the  year  1620,  when  leave  was  granted  to  the 
Dutch,  by  king  James,  to  build  a  few  cottages,  down 
to  the  year  1664,  this  industrious  people  remained  in 
tranquil  possession  of  their  new  erected  and  flourish- 
ing Colony.  "  The  accumulating  wealth  and  conse- 
quence of  New  Amsterdam  and  its  dependencies,  at 
length  awakened  the  tender  solicitude  of  the  mother 
country ;  who  finding  it  a  thriving  and  opulent  colony, 
and  that  it  promised  to  yield  great  profit  and  no 


16 


THE  STRANOEr/s  GUIDE 


trouble,  all  at  once  became  wonderfully  anxious 
about  its  safety,  and  began  to  load  it  with  tokens  of 
regard,  in  the  same  manner  that  your  knowing-  people 
are  sure  to  overwhelm  rich  relations  with  their  affec- 
tion and  loving-  kindness.  The  usual  marks  of  pro- 
tection shown  by  mother  countries  to  wealthy  colo- 
nies, were,  forthwith,  manifested ;  the  first  care  al- 
ways being-  to  send  rulers  to  the  new  settlement  with 
orders  to  squeeze  as  much  revenue  from  it  as  it 
will  yield."* 

The  effect  of  this  paternal  solicitude  was  soon  ap- 
parent. In  the  year  1629,  their  Hig-h  Mig-htinesses 
of  the  mother  country  conferred  a  ruler  upon  this  infant 
state,  under  the  dignified  title  of  "  Governor  of  the 
Province  of  the  New  Netherlands." — This  govern- 
ment, however,  had  but  an  ephemeral  existence, 
Charles  II.  having  ordered  its  expulsion ;  an  event 
which  took  place  on  27th  August,  1664.  The  troops 
employed  for  that  purpose  were  commanded  by  Colo- 
nel Nicolls,  who  did  not  find  it  necessary  to  fire  a 
shot,  as  the  inhabitants  of  the  city  considered  it  ad- 
viseable  to  yield  a  ready  obedience  to  the  summons 
of  surrender  which  he  sent  in.  By  the  terms  of  the 
capitulation,  the  Dutch  settlers  were  allowed  to  con- 
tinue trading  with  Holland,  and  their  persons,  rights 
and  property  respected.  The  invaders  claimed  only 
the  Fort  with  its  appurtenances.  On  12th  June  1665, 
Colonel  Nicolls,  who  at  this  time  acted  as  Governor, 
incorporated  the  citv  of  New- York  under  a  Mayor, 
Aldermen,  and  Sheriff. 

In  the  course  of  the  sway  of  the  Dutch  governors, 
it  does  not  appear  that  the  arts  and  sciences  made 
any  progress,  or  that  much  pains  was  taken  to  im- 
prove the  state  of  society.  Even  the  little  advance- 
ment which  the  mother  country  had  made  in  these 
respects,  proved  no  way  beneficial  to  the  colonists. 
The  original  settlers  were  men  of  boisterous  manners, 


*  Knickerbocker. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  JfEtV-TORK*  17 

altogether  unacquainted  with  even  the  first  rudi- 
ments of  education.  Their  children  were,  of  course, 
equally  illiterate,  and  the  government  no  way  con- 
cerned themselves  about  a  cure  for  this  radical  evil. 
The  prejudices  imported  by  the  parents,  and  which 
they  carefully  continued  to  foster  in  the  minds  of 
their  children,  formed,  in  consequence  of  this  neg- 
lect, a  stupid,  and,  in  some  measure,  a  barbarous 
race,  nearly  as  degraded  as  the  natives,  whom  they 
denoted  savages,  that  environed  their  infant  colony, 
and  kept  them  in  a  state  of  constant  dread  and  alarm. 
Like  all  other  despotic  governments,  however,  that 
of  the  Dutch  was  not  insensible  to  its  own  comfort, 
A  house,  which  in  these  times  might  be  considered 
splendid,  and  an  appendage  so  strongly  built  as  to 
merit  the  name  of  Fort  Amsterdam,  were  soon  built 
for  his  Excellency  the  Governor.  Here  he  could  lux- 
uriate at  pleasure,  issue  his  arbitrary  mandates  in 
safety,  and  look  down  with  sovereign  contempt  upon 
the  sen  ile  race  that  occupied  the  wretched  hovels 
with  which  his  stately  and  frowning  castle  was  sur- 
rounded. 

To  support  his  dignity,  and  give  eclat  to  his  author- 
ity, care  was  taken  to  assemble  round  him  a  set  of  * 
men,  who  were  designated  by  the  title  of  Magis- 
trates ;  but  who,  instead  of  watching  over  the  rights 
of  the  people,  were  careful  only  how  they  might  se- 
cure the  favour  of  him  who  respected  no  rights  but 
those  which  coincided  with  his  own  selfish  views. 
If  the  people  happened  at  any  time  to  show  impa- 
tience under  the  yoke,  or  to  express  their  sentiments 
with  freedom  on  the  abuse  of  power,  a  language  al- 
ways disagreeable  to  despotic  ears,  a  series  of  penal 
laws  were  enacted  to  put  a  stop  to  this  discontent. 
These  laws  engendered  a  multitude  of  legal  prac- 
titioners, who  devoured  with  avidity  the  residue 
which  had  escaped  the  rapacious  fangs  of  corruption, 
and  who,  as  they  always  conduct  themselves  under 
despotic  governments,  were  readv  on  everv  oc- 
B  2 


THE  STRAXGER'S  GUIDE 


casion  to  give  the  law  a  construction  more  favoura- 
ble  to  the  oppressor  than  the  oppressed. — These  evils, 
consequent  on  such  a  state  of  thing's,  might  have 
been  easily  cured  by  a  few  wise  regulations;  but  wis- 
dom has  hitherto  seldom  fallen  to  the  lot  of  rulers. 
At  least,  if  they  did  possess  any,  so  sweet  is  the  de- 
sire of  power,  that  rather  than  give  this  up,  they 
made  a  sacrifice  of  the  ;nost  amiable  feelings  of  the 
human  heart.  Under  the  "  Dutch  Dynasty,"  in- 
stead of  seeking-  a  remedy  for  public  abuses,  its 
members,  when  the  complaints  of  the  people  continu- 
ed unabated,  terminated  these  for  ever  by  a  gal- 
lows, which  they  erected,  as  high  as  Haman's,  on 
the  beach  of  the  isle  "  flowing  with  milk  and  honey." 
In  this  respect  they  certainly  very  closely  imitated 
the  paternal  solicitude  of  the  mother  country. 

On  the  expulsion  of  the  Dutch  g-overnment  from 
the  island  of  Manhattan,  it  was  named  York  Island 
by  the  English,  in  honour  of  the  Duke  of  York,  af- 
terwards king  James  II.  to  whom,  bis  heirs  and  as- 
signs, it  had  been  previously  transferred  by  his  broth- 
er Charles  II.  The  letters  patent  by  which  this  trans- 
fer was  made,  are  dated  March  12,  1664,  and  in- 
clude Long-,  or  Nassau  island,  then  called  the  Mat- 
tawacks,  all  Hudson's  river,  and  the  whole  country 
extending-  from  the  West  side  of  Connecticut  river  to 
the  east  side  of  Delaware  bay.  The  Engiish  and 
the  Dutch  having-  g-one  to  war  in  1673,  the  troops  of 
the  latter  succeeded  in  occupying- New-York  and 
New-Jersey  on  the  30th  July  that  year.  They  did 
not,  however,  possess  them  long-,  as  a  treaty  of  peace 
was  concluded  between  the  contending-  parties  on 
the  19th  of  February  following,  by  the  6th  article  of 
which  New- York  and  New- Jersey  were  restored  to 
the  Engiish.  Charles  thereupon  renewed  the  letters 
patent  which  he  had  formerly  granted  to  the  Duke 
of  York*. 

•  In  the  month  of  June,  1664  the  Duke  of  York  sold  to  Lord  Bar- 
clay  and  Sir  George  Carteret,  that  part  of  his  transfer  now  cansti* 


TO  THE  CITY  OP  NEW-YORK. 


19 


At  the  death  of  Charles  II.  the  Duke  ascended 
the  English  throne.  On  this  occasion  he  gave  a 
Charter  to  the  inhabitants  of  New- York,  dated  April 
22d,  1686,  by  which  the  city  was  erected  into  a  corpo- 
rate body  by  the  style  and  title  of  the  "  Mayor,  Al- 
dermen and  Commonalty  of  the  City  of  New- York." 
This  charter  appears  to  have  been  granted  by  Thomas 
Dongan,  Lieutenant  Governor  and  Vice  Admiral  of 
New- York  under  James  II.  king  of  Great  Britain. 
It  was  afterwards  enlarged  and  renewed  in  January 
1730  by  John  Montgomerie,  who  was  stiled  Cap- 
tain General  and  Governor  in  Chief  of  the  Provinces 
of  New- York,  New- Jersey,  and  the  territories  de- 
pending ;  and,  by  a  law  of  the  provincial  Legislature, 
passed  14th  October,  1732,  the  charter  was  formally 
and  expressly  confirmed. 

From  this  period  down  to  the  Revolution,  New- 
York  was  entirely  submitted  to  English  domination, 
not  more  tolerant  than  that  of  the  Dutch;  until, 
at  last,  her  wrongs,  with  those  of  the  neighbouring 
states,  became  so  unbearable  that  her  citizens  were 


tuting  the  state  of  New-Jersey.  When  the  Duke  received  a  renewal 
of  his  charter  from  his  brother  Charles,  it  might  have  been  expect- 
ed that  he  would  have  made  irood  the  title  of  Lord  Barclay  and  Sir 
George  Carteret  to  the  state  of  New -Jersey,  which  h$  had  sold  them, 
their  heirs  and  assigns,  for  a  sum  of  money.  But  this  did  not  square 
with  the  notions  of  equity  which  the  royal  Duke  had  imbibed  at  his 
brother's  com  t  — He  contented  himself  with  giving  a  title  to  East 
Jersey,  reserving  the  lands  of  West  Jersey  as  a  compensation  tor  the 
protection,  no  doubt,  which  he,  as  a  royal  personage,  was  willing 
to  give  to  the  other  half  of  the  territory.  Palpably  base  and  unjust 
as  this  was,  it  was  not  till  the  year  1680  that  the  Duke,  ashamed  of 
the  transaction,  found  it  necessary  to  act  that  honourable  part 
towards  the  assigns  of  Barclay  and  Carteret,  which  he  had  long  and 
pertinaciously  refused  to  themselves.  Having,  at  last  given  up  both 
the  Jerseys,  the  assigns  of  Barclay  and  Carteret  entered  into  an  ac- 
commodation by  which  the  western  pan  was  held  by  the  former,  an& 
the  eastern  by  the  latter. 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 

amongst  the  first  who,  in  the  month  of  September 
1774,  sent  deputies  to  Philadelphia,  to  consult  with 
the  delegates  of  other  nine  provinces,  assembled  on 
that  occasion,  as  to  their  common  interests,  and  to 
oppose  a  barrier  to  what  was  deemed  an  encroach- 
ment upon  the  natural  rights  and  privileges  of  hu- 
manity. That  these  had  been  invaded  will  appear 
obvious  from  a  very  slight  acquaintance  with  the 
state  of  matters  at  that  period,  as  instructed  by  au- 
thentic documents.  In  the  month  of  October,  1683, 
about  20  years  after  possession  was  obtained  by 
the  English,  the  Duke  of  York  granted  a  Charter  of 
"  Liberties  and  Privileges  to  the  Inhabitants  of  New- 
York  and  its  Dependencies,"  in  which,  after  setting 
out  with  declaring  "  that  the  supreme  legislative  au- 
thority under  his  Majesty  and  Royal  Highness,  James 
Duke  of  York,  Albany,  &c.  Lord  Proprietor  of  the 
said  province,  shall  be  and  reside  in  a  Governor, 
Council  and  the  People  met  in  General  Assembly," 
it  goes  on  to  state,  that  a  General  Assembly  or  Ses- 
sions of  Representatives  should  be  held  in  the  pro- 
vince once  every  three  years  ;  that  every  freehold- 
er and  freeman  should  have  a  right  to  vote  at  the 
election  of  these  representatives,  who  should  have 
the  power,  collectively,  to  appoint  their  own  times 
of  meeting ;  to  judge,  exclusively,  of  the  qualifica- 
tions of  their  members,  and  of  undue  elections ;  to 
purge  the  house  when  they  saw  meet,  and  to  have  the 
privilege  of  exemplion  from  arrest  in  civil  cases  dur- 
ing the  time  of  Sessions;  that  the  bills  passed  by 
them,  on  being  presented  to  and  approved  of  by 
the  Governor  and  his  Council,  were  to  be  the  laws 
of  the  land ;  that  no  freeman  should  be  deprived  of 
his  liberty  or  property,  or  be  exiled,  otherways  than 
by  the  judgment  of  his  peers;  that  "  no  aid,  tax, 
tollage,  assessment,  custom,  loan,  benevolence  or 
imposition  whatsoever,  shall  be  layed,  assessed,  im- 
posed, or  levied  on  any  of  His  Majesty's  subjects, 
within  tins  province,  or  their  estates,  upon  any  maa^ 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  5EW-Y0RK.  21 

ner  of  colour  or  pretence,  but  by  the  act  and  con- 
sent of  the  Governor,  Council,  and  Representatives 
of  the  people  in  General  Assembly  met  and  assem- 
bled that  there  should  be  no  excess  of  punish- 
ments ;  that  all  trials  should  be  by  a  jury  of  twelve 
men,  fairly  chosen ;  that  trials  for  capiatal  offences 
should  be  preceded  by  a  grand  inquest;  that  bail, 
except  for  treason  or  felony,  should  be  taken ;  that 
this  should  not  be  excessive ;  that  soldiers  or  sea- 
men ought  not  to  be  billeted  on  the  citizens  in 
"  time  of  peace,  and  that  martial  law  should  only  ex- 
tend to  such  officers,  persons  and  soldiers"  as  are  in 
the  pay  of  the  government. 

How  far  the  English  government  fulfilled  the 
terms  of  this  contract,  will  best  appear  from  the  De- 
claration of  Independence  of  the  general  govern- 
ment, dated  4th  July,  1776,  in  which  the  state  of 
New- York  bore  a  prominent  part.  In  that  memora- 
ble document,  the  people  of  America,  through  the 
voice  of  their  representatives,  openly  proclaimed  to 
the  universe,  that  the  history  of  the  government  of 
the  king  of  England  was  "  a  history  of  repeated  inju- 
ries and  usurpations,  all  having  in  direct  object  the 
establishment  of  an  absolute  tyranny  over  these 
states.  To  prove  this,  let  facts  be  submitted  to  a 
candid  world  : — He  has  refused  his  assent  to  laws 
the  most  wholesome,  and  necessary  for  the  public 
good.  He  has  forbidden  his  governors  to  pass  laws 
of  immediate  and  pressing  importance,  unless  sus- 
pended in  their  operation,  till  his  assent  should  be 
obtained ;  and,  when  so  suspended,  he  has  utterly 
neglected  to  attend  to  them.  He  has  refused  to  pass 
other  laws  for  the  accommodation  of  large  districts 
of  people,  unless  those  people  would  refuse  to  relin- 
quish the  right  of  representation  in  the  legislature — a 
right  inestimable  to  them,  and  formidable  to  tyrants 
only.  He  has  called  together  legislative  bodies,  at 
places  unusual,  uncomfortable,  and  distant  from  the 
depository  of  the  public  records,  for  the  sole  purpose 
of  fatiguing  them  into  compliance  with  his  measures* 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


He  has  dissolved  representative  houses  repeatedly 
lor  opposing-,  with  manly  firmness,  his  invasions  on  the 
rights  of  the  people.  He  has  refused,  for  a  long 
time,  after  such  dissolutions,  to  cause  others  to  be 
elected ;  whereby  the  legislative  powers,  incapable 
of  annihilation,  have  returned  to  the  people  at  large 
for  their  exercise  ;  the  state  remaining,  in  the  mean- 
time, exposed  to  all  the  danger  of  invasion  from  with- 
out, and  convulsions  within.  He  has  endeavoured 
to  prevent  the  population  of  these  states;  for  that 
purpose  obstructing  the  laws  for  the  naturalization 
of  foreigners  ;  refusing  to  pass  others,  to  encourage 
their  migration  hither,  and  raising  the  conditions  of 
new  appropriations  of  lands.  He  has  obstructed  the 
administration  of  justice,  by  refusing  his  assent  to 
laws  for  establishing  judiciary  powers.  He  has 
made  judges  dependent  on  his  will  alone,  for  the 
tenure  of  their  offices,  and  the  amount  and  payment 
of  their  salaries.  He  has  erected  a  multitude  of 
new  offices,  and  sent  hither  swarms  of  officers  to  ha- 
rass our  people  and  eat  out  their  substance.  He  has 
kept  among  us,  in  times  of  peace,  standing  armies, 
without  the  consent  of  our  legislatures.  He  has  af- 
fected to  render  the  military  independent  of,  and 
superior  to,  the  civil  power*. 


*  The  frequent  wars  in  which  the  colony  was  involved  in  conse- 
quence of  the  collisions  of  the  mother  country  with  the  nations  of 
Europe,  especially  the  French,  plunged  the  colony  into  an  enormous 
debt,  which  was  severely  felt  by  its  inhabitants.  As  an  evidence  of 
the  fact,  it  is  barely  necessary  to  mention,  that  from  the  year  1691  to 
1709  inclusive,  the  sum  of  61,861  11*.  Sd  was  directed,  by  different 
laws  to  be  raised  by  taxes  or  bills  of  credit,  &c  and  applied  to  !the 
building  of  forts,  the  raising  and  paying  of  troops,  and  for  other 
warlike  purposes,  besides  the  duty  on  excise,  and  a  penny  in  the 
pound  for  the  ordinary  and  incidental  charges  of  the  colony.  From 
1709  to  1717,  the  sum  of  11, 742/ was  directed  to  be  raised  for  the 
tike  purposes  ;  and  on  the  23d  Dec.  1717,  the  sum  of  1«,607£.  was 
directed  to  be  issued  in  bills  «f  credit,  to  extinguish  the  debts  of  the 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK. 


28 


,c  He  has  combined  with  others  to  subject  us  to  a 
jurisdiction  foreign  to  our  constitution,  and  unac- 
knowledged by  our  laws ;  giving1  his  assent  to  their 
acts  of  pretended  legislation  for  quartering  large 
bodies  of  armed  troops  among  us ;  for  protecting 
them  by  a  mock  trial  from  punishment  for  any  mur- 
der which  they  should  commit  on  the  inhabitants 
of  these  states;  for  cutting  off  our  trade  with  all 
parts  of  the  world  ;  for  imposing  taxes  on  us,  with- 
out our  consent ;  for  depriving  us,  in  many  cases,  of 
the  benefits  of  trial  by  jury  ;  for  transporting  us  be- 
yond seas,  to  be  tried  for  pretended  offences;  for 
abolishing  the  free  system  of  English  law  in  a  neigh- 
bouring province,  establishing  therein  an  arbitrary 
government,  and  enlarging  its  boundaries,  so  as  to 
render  it  at  once  an  example  and  fit  instrument  for  in- 
troducing the  same  absolute  rule  into  these  colo- 
nies ;  for  taking  away  our  charters,  abolishing  our 
most  valuable  laws,  and  altering  fundamentally  the 
forms  of  our  governments ;  for  suspending  our  own 


colony.  A  tax  of  two  per  cent,  was  laid  on  all  European  goods,  Nov, 
19th  1720.  From  1717  to  1746,  the  sum  of  40,843/  18f.  7d,  was  rais- 
ed by  tax  &c.  for  purposes  of  defence,  troops.  &c  and  on  the  15th 
July  1746,  the  sum  of  40,000/  was  directed  to  be  raised  by  tax  Tor  car- 
rying on  the  expedition  against  the  French  in  Canada ;  and  28,000i 
more  on  the  25th  Nov.  1747,  for  the  defence  of  the  frontiets  and  the 
annoyance  of  the  enemy.  On  the  7th  March  1759  the  sum  of  100,000/ 
was  directed  to  be  levied  for  aiding  in  the  invasion  of  Canada. 
On  the  3d  July,  1759,  bills  of  credit  to  the  amount  of  150,000?  were 
directed  to  be  Issued.  On  the  22d  March,  1760  the  sum  of  60.000Z 
was  directed  to  be  issued  in  bills  of  credit.  On  the  16th,  Feb.  1771, 
the  sum  of  120,000i  was  directed  to  be  issued  in  bills  of  credit,  &c.  to 
be  loaned  and  the  interest  applied  to  payment  of  the  public  debt. 
It  is  not  perhaps  too  extravagant  to  say,  thaj  the  wars  in  which  Great 
Britain  was  engaged  from  time  to  time,  before  the  year  1776,  cost  the 
colony  nearly  a  million  of  pounds—*,  very  large  sum,  considering  the 
then  infant  state  of  our  country,  and  the  limited  extent  of  her  re* 
sources*  Laws  of  Ne^-Tork^  vol,  2d,  p,  §23. 


•24 


the  stranger's  guide 


legislatures,  and  declaring-  themselves  invested  with 
power  to  legislate  for  us  in  all  cases  whatsoever. 

"  He  has  abdicated  government  here,  by  declaring 
us  out  of  his  protection,  and  waging  war  against  us. 
He  has  plundered  our  seas,  ravaged  our  coasts, 
burnt  our  towns,  and  destroyed  the  lives  of  our  peo- 
ple. He  is,  at  this  time,  transporting  large  armies  of 
foreign  mercenaries  to  complete  the  works  of  death> 
desolation  and  tyranny,  already  begun,  with  cir- 
cumstances of  cruelty  and  perfidy  scarcely  paralleled 
in  the  most  barbarous  ages,  and  totally  unworthy 
the  head  of  a  civilized  nation.  He  has  constrained 
our  fellow  citizens,  taken  captive  on  the  bigh  seas, 
to  bear  arms  against  their  country,  to  become  the  ex- 
ecutioners of  their  friends  and  brethren,  or  to  fall 
themselves  by  their  hands.  He  has  excited  domestic 
insurrections  amongst  us,  and  has  endeavoured  to 
bring  on  the  inhabitants  of  our  frontiers  the  mer- 
ciless Indian  savages,  whose  known  rule  of  warfare  is 
an  undistinguished  destruction  of  all  ages,  sexes,  and 
conditions. — In  every  stage  of  these  oppressions,  we 
have  petitioned  for  redress,  in  the  most  humble 
terms  :  our  petitions  have  been  answered  only  by  re- 
peated injury.  A  prince  whose  character  is  thus 
marked  by  every  act  which  may  define  a  tyrant, 
is  unfit  to  be  the  ruler  of  a  free  people. " 

As  it  was  not  our  intention  to  write  a  detailed  or  cir- 
cumstantial history,  but  only  to  give  the  outline  of 
the  principal  occurrences  which  gradually  led  to  the 
establishment  of  the  city  of  New- York,  we  shall  not 
enter  upon  the  events  of  the  revolutionary  war ;  nor 
upon  the  more  recent  and  avowed  attempt  of  Great 
Britain  to  overthrow  the  government  of  the  United 
States;  a  mere  sketch  of  which  would  swell  this 
volume  to  too  great  a  bulk.  It  is  sufficient  for  our 
purpose  to  remark  on  these  topics,  that  America 
triumphed  over  her  enemies  by  her  Union  and  the  jus- 
tice of  her  cause:  and  that  she  will  continue  to 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK. 


25 


triumph  while  her  citizens  are  united,  and  respect 
the  institutions  of  their  country.* 

The  struggle  of  the  Americans  for  liberty  having" 
terminated  so  favourably,  they  soon  evinced  that 
they  were  not  undeserving  of  it,  or  insensible  to  the 
necessity  of  a  compact  and  perpetual  union,  without 
which  every  free  people  must  fall  under  the  yoke 
of  foreign  or  domestic  tyranny.  Alive  to  their  criti- 
cal situation,  and  justly  appreciating  Jhe  great  sacri- 
fices which  it  had  cost  to  defeat  the  projects  of  their 
unrelenting  foe,  the  states,  which  had  so  gloriously 


*  \h!  if  in  the  countries  even  of  Europe,  in  which  slavery 
seems  long  since  to  have  taken  its  seat  in  the  midst  of  vices,  of 
riches,  and  of  arts  :  in  which  the  despotism  of  armies  supports 
the  despotism  of  courts,  in  which  man,  chained  from  his  cradle, 
and  bound  tightly  by  all  the  copds  both  of  policy  and  superstition, 
has  never  breathed  the  air  of  liberty :— If  in  these  countries,  notwith- 
standing, they  who  have  once  in  their  lives  reflected  on  the  fate  of 
nations,  cannot  forbear  adopting  the  maxims,  and  envying  the 
happy  people  who  know  how  to  make  it  the  ground  woi'k  and  foun- 
dation of  their  constitution— how  much  more  ought'the  English  native* 
of  America  to  be  attached  to  the  glorious  birth-right  they  inherit  I  They 
know  the  price  at  which  their  ancestors  had  bought  it.  The  very  soil 
which  they  inhabit  must  produce  in  them  a* sentiment  favourable  to 
these  ideas.  Dispersed  throughout  an  immense  continent,  free  as  the 
wild  nature  which  surrounds  them,  amidst  their  rocks,  their  moun- 
tains, the  vast  plains  of  their  deserts,  on  the  confines  of  those 
forests  in  which  all  is  still  in  its  savage  state,  and  where  there  ate 
no  traces  of  either  the  slavery  or  the  tyranny  of  man,  they  seem  to 
receive  from  every  natural  object  a  lesson  of  liberty  and  inde- 
pendence Besides,  these  people,  given  up.  almost  all  of  them ,  to 
agriculture  and  to  commerce,  te  useful  labours,  which  elevate  and 
fortify  the  soul  in  inspiring  simple  manners,  hitherto  as  far  removed 
rrom  riches  as  from  poverty,  cannot  be  yet  corrupted  either  by  the 
excess  of  luxury,  or  by  the  excess  of  want-  It  is  in  this  state  above 
ill  others,  that  the  man  who  enjoys  liberty  is  most  capable  to  main- 
lain  it,  and  to  show  himself  jealous  in  defence  of  a  hereditary  right, 
S  vhich  seems  to  be  the  most  certain  security  for  all  the  rest.  Such 
.vas  the  resolution  of  the  American?.  RaynaVs  Revolution  of 
America* 

c 


26  THE  STRANGER'S  GtTIDE 

maintained  the  contest,  entered  into  articles  of  con- 
federation, on  8th  July,  1778,  under  the  stile  of  the 
w  United  States  of  America,"  in  which  it  was  recog- 
nized, as  a  first  principle,  that "  each  state  retains  its 
sovereignty,  freedom  and  independence,  and  every 
power,  jurisdiction,  and  right,  which  is  not  by  this 
confederation  expressly  delegated  to  the  United  States 
in  Congress  assembled."  It  was  then  declared,  that 
the  object  of  this  union  was  for  the  common  de- 
fence, the  security  of  their  liberties,  and  their  mu- 
tual and  general  welfare ;  and,  the  better  to  secure 
^hese,  that  the  free  inhabitants  of  these  states,  with 
the  exception  of  paupers,  vagabonds,  and  fugitives 
from  justice,  should  be  entitled  to  all  the  privileges 
and  immunities  of  free  citizens  in  the  several  states, 
between  which  every  thing  tending  to  promote 
friendship  and  harmony  should  be  cultivated.  In  the 
same  spirit  did  the  United  States,  on  17th  Septem- 
ber, 1787,  agree  to  the  articles  of  a  constitution  for 
the  general  government,  by  which  a  Senate  and 
House  of  Representatives  was  constituted  for  the  pur- 
poses of  legislation,  and  giving  consistency  and  effect 
to  the  views  of  the  original  confederation.  Mean- 
while each  separate  state  occupied  itself  with  form- 
ing such  a  constitution  as  might  secure  its  own 
independence ;  and,  at  the  same  time,  give  stability 
and  energy  to  the  general  government. 

In  the  constitution  of  New- York,  which  was 
finally  adopted  in  a  convention  of  its  representa- 
tives, held  at  Kingston,  April  20th,  1777,  it  was 
ordained,  determined,  and  declared,  thatno  authority 
should,  on  any  pretence  whatever,  be  exercised  over 
the  people  or  members  of  that  state,  but  such  as 
should  be  derived  from,  and  granted  by,  themselves ; 
that  the  supreme  legislative  power  within  the  state 
should  consist  of  two  distinct  bodies,  the  assembly 
and  the  senate,  who  should  meet  once,  at  least,  in 
every  year,  for  the  despatch  of  business ;  that  a 
c.ouneil,  consisting  of  the  governor,  the  chancellor, 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  2? 

and  the  judges  of  the  Supreme  Court,  should  be 
formed  to  revise  all  bills  about  to  be  passed  by  the 
legislature,  and  to  give  them  their  sanction;  that 
voting  at  elections  shall  be  by  ballot;  that  every 
male  inhabitant,  of  full  age,  who  has  resided  in  any 
part  of  the  state  for  six  months,  if  during  that  period 
he  shall  have  possessed  a  freehold  value  twenty 
pounds,  or  rented  a  house  value  forty  shillings,  and 
paid  taxes,  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  for  representa- 
tives ;  that  the  members  of  the  assembly  should  be 
chosen  annually,  and  those  of  the  senate  for  four 
years,  a  fourth  part  going  out  every  year,  and  others 
chosen  to  fill  up  their  places ;  that  a  governor  of  the 
state  shall  be  elected  every  three  years,  and  vested 
with  the  supreme  executive  power;  al&o  a  lieu- 
tenant-governor, who,  ex  officio,  shall  be  president  of 
the  senate,  with  a  casting  vote  only;  that  the  trea- 
surer of  the  state  shall  be  appointed  by  the  legisla- 
ture, but  not  a  member  thereof ;  that  a  council 
nominated  by  the  assembly  every  two  years,  shall 
appoint  such  other  officers,  as  are  not  otherwise 
appointed  by  the  constitution ;  that  all  commissioned 
officers,  civil  and  military,  be  appointed  by  the 
governor;  the  military  officers  during  pleasure,  and 
the  chancellor,  the  judges  of  the  Supreme  Court, 
and  first  judge  of  every  county  court,  during  good 
behaviour,  or  till  they  respectively  attain  the  age  of 
sixty  years ;  that  sheriffs  and  coroners  be  annually 
appointed ;  that  the  delegates  to  represent  the  state 
in  General  Congress  shall  be  chosen  by  the  assem- 
bly and  senate ;  that  the  style  of  all  laws  shall  be  in 
the  name  of  "  the  people  of  the  state  of  New- York 
represented  in  senate  and  assembly,"  and  all  legal 
proceedings  run  in  the  name  of  "  the  people  of  the 
state  of  New- York." 

As  to  individual  or  personal  rights,  it  was  de- 
clared, that  no  citizen  shall  be  deprived  of  any  of  his 
privileges,  unless  by  the  law  of  the  land  or  the 
judgment  of  his  peers  ;°  that  "  the  free  exercise  and 


28 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


enjoyment  of  religious  profession,  and  worship, 
without  discrimination  or  preference,  shall  for  ever 
hereafter  be  allowed  within  this  state  to  all  man- 
kind ;"  that  no  priest  of  any  denomination  shall  be 
eligible  to  hold  any  civil  or  military  office  or  place ; 
that  a  militia  composed  of  citizens,  shall  be  armed 
and  disciplined  and  ready  for  the  general  defence ; 
such  as  are  averse  to  bearing  arms,  from  scruples 
ef  conscience,  to  be  excused  on  paying*  a  sum  of 
money  in  lieu  of  their  services ;  that  trial  by  jury 
shall  be  established  and  remain  inviolate  for  ever ; 
that  no  acts  of  attainder  shall  work  a  corruption  of 
blood ;  that  no  new  courts  shall  be  formed  but  such 
as  shall  proceed  according  to  the  common  course  of 
law;  that  such  parts  of  the  common  and  statute  law 
of  England  and  of  Great  Britain,  and  of  the  acts  of 
the  legislature  of  New-York,  as  formed  the  law  of 
the  colony  on  19th  April,  1775,  shall  continue  the 
law  of  the  state*,  subject  to  such  alterations  as 
have  been  or  may  be,  made  thereon ;  and  that  it 
shall  be  in  the  discretion  of  the  legislature  to  natu- 
ralize all  foreigners  who  shall  become  subjects  of, 
and  take  an  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  state,  abjuring 
all  subjection  to  every  foreign  ruler  in  every  eccle- 
siastical and  civil  matter. 

Such  is  a  short  summary  of  the  constitution  of  the 
state  of  New-York,  which  breathes  the  same  senti- 
ments of  freedom  that  are  contained  in  the  general 
constitution,  and  in  the  constitutions  of  the  other 
states.  It  will  bring  the  stranger  to  a  nearer 
acquaintance  with  the  laws  and  political  institutions 
of  New- York,  than,  perhaps,  he  formerly  possessed, 
and,  in  many  particulars,  enable  him  the  better  to 
understand  what  may  appear  ambiguous  in  the  fol- 
lowing pages.  Born  under  an  aristocratical,  proba- 
bly a  despotical,  government,  and  accustomed  to 
give  implicit  obedience  to  its  mandates,  he  is  not 


t  The  English  stain tei  eeased  to  be  a  law  of  this  state,  May  1st  1788  . 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


29 


likely,  at  first  sight,  to  admire,  or  applaud,  these 
simple  and  unsophisticated  principles  of  politics, 
adopted  by  a  people  totally  unacquainted  with  the 
cunning*  diplomacy  of  Europe.  The  object  of  those  ap- 
pointed to  prepare  a  constitution  was  to  acquire  cor- 
rect ideas  of  liberty,  and  upon  these,  to  rear  a 
fabric  calculated  to  ameliorate  the  condition  of  man. 
It  was  not  difficult  to  attain  this ;  they  consulted 
nature,  and  she  taught  them,  that  all  mankind  were 
born  free,  and  entitled  to  enjoy  the  same  privileges. 
These  principles  they  took  for  their  guide  when  they 
sat  down  to  legislate ;  and  it  only  remains  to  con- 
template, not  at  a  distance,  or  with  prejudiced  eyes, 
but  upon  the  spot,  and  with  a  mind  open  to  convic- 
tion, the  rapid  and  beneficial  effects  produced  in  this 
flourishing  city  by  the  application  of  these  principles, 
to  be  fully  convinced  that  they  have  not  legislated  in 
vain,  but  have  attained,  as  far  as  was  possible,  what 
ought  to  be  the  object  of  all  governments — the  peace 
and  happiness  of  society.  Wor  let  it  be  objected, 
that  the  United  States  during  the  short  period  of 
their  republican  government,  have  been  for  several 
years  engaged  in  war.  This  was  not  the  conse- 
quence of  their  free  institutions.  It  was  a  war  of 
defence;  a  war  to  protect  those  very  institutions 
from  the  spoiling  hand  of  man.  Such  a  war  as  na- 
ture dictates,  and  which  never  would  be  waged,  if 
justice,  as  in  this  country,  formed  the  basis  of  all 
other  codes  of  law. 


2  C 


THE  STRANGERS  GUIDE 


GENERAL  DESCRIPTION. 


The  city  of  New-York*  is  situated  between 
40°  42'  and  40"  north  lat.  and  74°  0'  45"  W. 
long:.  It  stands  on  the  island  of  Manhattan,  now 
called  New-York  island,  which  measures  in  length, 
from  north  to  south,  about  15  miles,  and  in  breadth 
from  a  quarter  of  a  mile  to  a  mile  and  a  half.  The 
river  Hudson,  called  also  the  North  river,  separates 
the  island  from  New-Jersey ;   the  river  Haerlem 


*  When  we  use  the  phrase  the  City  of  Nerv  York,  we  include 
the  County  also,  for  their  limits  are  the  same.  By  an  act  of  the 
legislature,  dated  March  26th,  1813,  the  extent  of  New  York  county- 
is  thus  described:  "The  county  of  New- York  to  contain  the 
islands  called  Manhattan's  islind,  Great  Barn  island,  Little  Barn 
island.  Manning's  island,  and  the  Oyster  islands ;  and  all  the  land 
under  the  water  within  the  following  bounds  :  beginning  at  Spyteo. 
Duyvel  creek,  where  the  same  empties  itself  into  the  Hudson 
river,  on  the  Westchester  side  thereof,  at  low  water  mark,  wher- 
ever the  same  now  is  or  hereafter  may  be,  and  so  running  along 
the  said  creek,  at  low  water  mark  as  aforesaid,  on  the  West- 
chester side  thereof,  unto  the  East  river  or  Sound,  and  from 
thence  to  cross  over  to  Nassau  island,  to  low  water  mark  there 
as  aforesaid,  including  Great  Barn  island,  Little  Barn  island* 
and  Manning's  island,  and  from  thence  along  Nassau  island 
a!  ore,  at  low  water  mark  as  aforesaid,  ih'to  the  south  side  of  the 
Fvedhcok,  and  from  thence  across  the  North  rivtr  so  as  to  iacluiei 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK. 


3! 


from  the  continental  part  of  the  state  of  New-York ; 
the  East  river,  which  is  a  branch  of  the  sound, 
from  Long  Island;  and  the  Bay  or  Harbour  from 
Staten  Island.  The  soil  and  climate  of  New-York 
is  greatly  altered  since  its  first  discovery.  The  sur- 
face of  the  island  presented,  at  that  time,  a  very 
irregular  appearance.  In  some  ,  places  it  was  hilly 
ground  and  craggy  rocks ;  in  others  low  vallies  and 
marshy  swamps*.  By  great  labour  and  expense, 
that  part  of  the  island  in  particular  which  is  built, 
has  been  nearly  levelled,  and  the  marshes  filled  up.f 


Nutten  island,  Bedlow's  islam],  Bucking  island,  and  the  Oyster 
islands  to  low  water  mark  on  the  west  side  of  Hudson's  river,  or  so 
far  as  the  bounds  of  this  state  extend  there,  and  so  up  along  the 
west  side  of  Hudson's  river  at  low  water  mark,  or  along  the  limits 
of  this  state  until  it  comes  directly  opposite  the  first  mentioned 
creek,  and  thence  to  the  place  where  the  said  boundaries  first 
began." 

*  In  describing  the  natural  appearance  of  the  island,  a  miner*- 
alogist  has  remarked,  that  "  its  basis  is  very  rocky,  and  consists 
principally  of  grey  granite,  though  in  some  places,  especially 
where  the  city  has  been  built,  there  are  great  quantifies  of  soap 
stone,  and  magnesian  rock,  some  of  which  are  beautifully  chrys. 
talized  in*  itars.  and  stained  with  arborescent  figures.  Among  the 
granitical  strata  large  garnets  are  frequently  found,  in  twelve 
sided  regular  figures  ;  and  the  flakes  of  mica,  or  isinglass,  are  in 
some  places  large  and  brilliant.  The  rocks  in  many  places  rise 
above  the  surface  ;  and  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  island,  from 
Bellevue  northward,  they  oppose  to  the  tides  a  naked,  steep,  and 
impassable  barrier.  Naturally  the  face  of  the  land  was»marked 
strongly  by  the  abruptness  of  crags  and  vallies.  hills  and  dales, 
insulated  rocks,  and  marshy  inlets,  which  characterize  a  maritime 
country  wherein  granite  prevails."   Picture  of  New-York,  1807. 

t  Only  a  few  years  ago  there  was  a  lake  of  fresh  water,  called 
the  Collect,  near  the  middle  of  the  city,  of  which  there  is  scarcely 
a  vestige  remaining  :  and,  towards  the  East  river,  there  was  a  hill, 
rising  to  a  considerable  height,  called  Bayard's  mount,  which  is  now 
©.early  all  cleared  away,  ani  the  ground  laid  out  ia  level  streets. 


32 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


The  ground  laid  out  as  gardens,  and  occupied  as 
orchards,  is  remarkable  for  its  fertility,  producing  a 
succession  of  fine  crops  with  little  labour,  and  almost 
without  any  manure. 

This  alteration  in  the  surface  of  the  earth,  has 
gTeatly  tended  to  render  the  climate  mild  and 
healthy.  The  heat,  it  is  remarked,  is  not  so  intense, 
nor  the  cold  so  severe,  as  formerly.  Diseases  are 
less  frequent,  and  it  has  been  calculated  that  fewer 
persons  die  in  the  city  of  New- York,  in  proportion  to 
its  population,  than  in  most  of  the  large  cities  and 
towns  in  England,  the  climate  of  which  is  justly  held 
to  be  so  salubrious.  It  is  certain  that  IS ew- York  is 
built  in  as  healthy  a  situation  as  any  other  city  of  the 
United  States :  Encircled  with  water,  and  open  to 
the  sea  breeze,  the  air  is  almost  always  clear*.  In 
winter,  the  earth  is  stript  of  every  thing  having  the 
appearance  of  vegetation.  But  the  frost  seldom  holds 
possession  of  the  ground  beyond  two  months,  and  on 
the  return  of  spring,  nature  makes  ample  amends 
for  this,  by  wantoning  in  ail  that  luxuriance  of  which 
she  is  capable,  and  in  producing  crops  so  abundant 
as  to  leave  little  or  nothing  of  this  description  to  be 
desired  by  the  inhabitants.  Dews  are  very  prevail- 
ing during  the  nights  of  the  summer  season.  Their 
pernicious  effects  however  can  easily  be  prevented 
by  avoiding  improper  exposure  f. 


*  We  have  more  rain,  more  evaporation,  more  sunshine, 
and  a  greater  number  of  clear  days  than  in  Europe.  Our  atmos- 
phere,* it  is  supposed,  contains  more  electrical  fluid.  an<!  we  are 
exposed  to  greater  extremes  of  heat  and  cold  We  have  no 
season  corresponding  "with  the  European  spring  ;  hut  the  greater 
part  of  our  autumn  is  unparalleled  for  beauty,  pleasantness,  anfi 
salubrity. 

t  Censuses  have  been  taken  of  this  city  and  state,  and  of  the  Unit-  - 
ed  States,  at  various  times,  and  with  unquestionable  accuracy. 
Bills  of  mortality  have  been  kept  here,  and  in  Ph  .adelphia,  B05- 
' on,  and  some  other  towns;  acd  tables  of  the  number  of  bhrt>5 ' 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


PLAN  AND  EXTENT  OF  THE  CITY. 

The  original  settlers  do  not  appear  to  have  had 
any  fixed  plan  of  building-  or  laying  out  streets  when 
they  took  possession  of  the  island,  nor  even  for  ma- 
ny years  afterwards.  Hence  the  irregular  appear- 
ance of  the  streets  and  houses  towards  the  docks 
and  harbour.  In  Knickerboker's  history  there  is  an 
engraving  representing  a  view  of  the  city  as  it  ap- 
peared, about  the  year  1640,  under  the  Dutch  gov- 
ernment. The  dwelling  houses  were  then  few,  low, 
and  straggling.  The  most  prominent  buildings  were 
the  Fort,  the  Church  of  St.  Nicholas,  the  Jail,  the 
Governor's  house,  the  Gallows,  the  Pillory,  the  West 
India  stores,  and  the  City  Tavern,  of  which  there  is 
now  no  remains.  In  1729,  an  enlarged  plan  was 
published  by  James  Lynes,  Surveyor.  In  1766  anoth- 
er map  or  plan  of  the  city  was  published,  and  in 
1774,  one  of  New- York  generally.  The  English  par- 
liament, in  the  year  1766,  caused  a  map  of  New- 
York  and  the  adjoining  waters  to  be  engraved  and 
published  in  London.  Since  that  period,  three  other 
plans  have  appeared  in  this  city;  one  in  1803  by 
C.  T.  Goerck  and  L  F.  Mansin,  City  Surveyors  ; 


have  also  been  collected  in  a  few  places.  On  comparing  the 
births  with  the  whole  population,  the  deaths  with  the  whole 
population,  the  number  of  births  with  the  number  of  deaths,  and 
considering  our  rapid  augmentation  of  inhabitants,  doubling  in 
some  states  in  13  or  U  years,  and  upon  a  general  average  in  eve- 
ry  20  or  23  years,  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  the  United 
States  have  a  decided  advantage  over  the  healthiest  parts  of  Eu- 
rope. While  in  Paris,  London,  and  Amsterdam,  there  are  more 
deaths  than  births,  it  is  ascertained  that,  in  our  great  cities,  there 
are  at  least  two  births  to  one  death.  The  charges  whicfe  have 
been  brought  against  the  supposed  deleter'ous  efftecti  of  our  cli- 
mate upon  the  human  body,  have  been  thus  refuted  with  the  cer> 
tainty  of  demonstration.  Trans,  of  Lit.  Se  Phil.  Society  of  New 
York,  Vol.  I.  p.  43  &r  44. 


3  4- 


THE  STRANGER*S  GUIDE 


one,  by  Wm.  Bridges,  in  1811,  and  another  during 
the  present  year,  by  Prior  and  Dunning".  That  by 
Bridges  was  executed  under  Commissioners,  appoint- 
ed by  the  state  in  April  1807,  for  the  purpose  of 
laying  out  the  greater  part  of  the  island  for  building, 
according  to  a  regular  and  uniform  system.  In  the 
plan  prefixed  to  this  work,  we  have  given  an  accurate 
delineation  of  the  city  as  it  now  appears,  by  refer- 
ring to  which  a  correct  idea  may  be  formed  of  its 
configuration,  which  is  thought  somewhat  to  resem- 
ble a  shoulder  of  mutton. 

In  extent,  New-York  city  measures,  in  length, 
from  the  West  Battery  to  Thirty  first  street,  about 
four  miles;  and  in  breadth  about  one  and  a  half 
mile.  Its  circuit  is  8  miles.  The  whole  of  this  space 
is  not  yet  covered  with  buildings,  but  the  greater 
proportion  of  it  is,  and  it  is  probable  as  new  houses 
are  rapidly  appearing,  that  the  plan  of  the  city  will 
be  filled  up  in  the  course  of  a  few  years. 


DWELLING  HOUSES. 

The  number  of  Dwelling  Houses  is  estimated 
at  17,000.  The  population  exceeds  100,000,  which 
gives  about  six  inhabitants  to  each  house.  The  hous- 
es were  formerly  built  of  wood  with  shingle  roofs ; 
but  these  are  fast  disappearing,  and  substantial  brick 
houses  with  slated  roofs  rising  in  their  place.  In 
the  principal  streets  they  are  generally  three  stories 
high  besides  the  attics,  and  ground  floor,  which  is 
used  as  kitchens  and  cellars.  In  consequence  of 
the  many  destructive  fires  which  happened  in  New- 
York,  all  houses  erected  within  a  certain  district, 
must  be  built  of  brick  or  stone,  with  party  or  fire 
walls,  rising  six  inches,  at  least,  above  the  roof,  which 
must  be  covered  with  tile,  slate,  or  other  incombusti- 
ble materials.  Wooden  houses  may  be  repaired; 
but  if  they  become  totally  decayed,  they  must  be 
rebuilt  conformable  to  the  new  regulations.    This  in- 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK. 


35 


terference  on  the  part  of  the  legislature,  has  introduc- 
ed much  neatness  and  regularity  in  the  general  as- 
pect of  the  dwelling  houses.  To  the  English  visit- 
or, most  of  them  will  appear  equal  to  the  best  con- 
structed houses  in  England ;  and,  it  is  acknowledged 
by  every  traveller,  that  in  their  internal  construc- 
tion and  conveniencies,  the  dwelling  houses  of  New- 
York  are  not  surpassed  in  any  other  country. 


STREETS. 

The  streets  of  New- York,  including  Lanes  and  Al- 
leys, amount  to  252.  Although  towards  the  harbour 
a  few  of  the  streets  are  somewhat  crooked  and  nar- 
row, they  are  in  general  straight,  regular  and  spa- 
cious, particularly  those  recently  formed.  Running 
in  parallel  lines,  and  terminating  at  right  angles  at 
the  corner  of  every  street,  a  free  circulation  of  air  is 
greatly  promoted;  which  is  further  increased  by  a 
gradual  descent  having  been  given  to  the  streets, 
on  both  sides,  from  the  centre  of  the  city  down  to 
the  Hudson  and  East  rivers.  The  causeway  is  firm 
and  neat,  and  the  foot  pavement,  which  was  for- 
merly constructed  of  a  reddish  brick,  is  now  giv- 
ing way  to  durable  flat  stones,  from  the  quarries  of 
Connecticut ;  the  crossings  from  one  street  to  another 
are  also  generally  laid  with  these  stones.*  Almost 

*$We  could  have  wished  to  have  avoided  censure  of  every  kind ; 
but  when  public  health  is  endangered,  it  would  have  been  criminal 
to  have  remained  silent.  We  believe  that  there  is  not  a  more  com- 
plete set  of  laws  in  the  Union  for  the  promotion  of  cleanliness  than 
those  enacted  by  the  corporation  of  this  city  ;  yet  it  is  remarked  on 
all  hands,  that  the  streets  of  New- York  are  the  dirtiest  in  the  Unit- 
ed States.  To  us  there  appears  one  radical  cause  of  this,  and  I  hat 
is  the  number  of  noine  which  are  allowed  to  go  constantly  at  large. 
IVe  are  aware  that  there  is  a  prohibitory  law  in  existence  respect- 
ing  these  animals,  but  it  is  seen  that  they  roam  i-broad  at  pleasure, 
no  one  considering  it  their  business  to  interfere  with  them.  We 
abo  kn&w  that  the  existing  regulations  aa  to  the  remoral.of  filth 


36 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


the  whole  city  is  well  lighted  with  lamps,  the  manage- 
ment of  which  is  not  left  to  the  care  of  greedy  con- 
tractors, but  is  under  the  immediate  inspection  of 
the  Corporation;  who  have  no  interest  in  the  mat- 
ter, but  a  deal  of  reputation  to  lose  if  they  should 
violate  the  trust  reposed  in  them.  A  regular  night 
watch  is  also  established,  to  give  security  to  the  in- 
habitants, and  clear  the  streets  of  improper  per- 
sons. On  the  sides  of  many  of  the  streets  there 
are  rows  of  trees  planted,  which  give  an  agreeable 
appearance  to  the  city ;  and,  in  summer  afford  a  cool 
and  refreshing  shade  from  the  intense  rays  of  the 
sun  *. 

The  principal  street  is  Broadway,  which  runs  in 
a  straight  line  from  the  Battery,  through  the  centre 
of  the  city  to  its  extremity  in  Bloomingdale  road; 
and  measures  3  miles  in  length,  and  about  80  feet  in 
width.  It  is  the  Bond-street  of  New-York,  and  ex- 
hibits in  the  shops,  on  both  sides,  an  elegant  and  ex- 
tensive assortment  of  every  thing  useful  and  fash- 
ionable. Here,  as  well  as  in  a  number  of  other  prin- 
cipal streets  in  the  city,  every  article  of  dress,  fur- 
niture, and  luxurious  fare,  may  be  got  as  readily,  and 
at  as  low  prices,  as  they  can  be  purchased  in  Europe. 

Pearl-street  is  next  in  importance  to  Broadway, 
not  for  its  uniformity  and  regularity,  but  from  its  being 


could  not  be  better  written  than  they  are.  ^ till,  so  long  as  im- 
mense numbers  of  swine  are  allowed  to  traverse  the  streets,  so  long 
will  the  inhabitants  think  themselves  justified  in  throwing  out  their 
garbage  to  them  for  food;  and  so  long  will  the  streets  of  New- 
York  remain  proverbial  for  their  filth.  The  evil  will  never  be 
cured,  until  Scavengers  are  appointed  by  the  Corporation,  to  clear 
the  streets  of  all  nuisances.  This  is  a  subject  which  calls  loudly  for 
the  interference  of  the  Board  of  Health. 

*  In  the  Appendix  we  have  given  a  summary  of  the  Jarvs  and 
ordinances  of  the  city,  ordained  by  the  Corporation  so  recently  as 
May  5th,  1817.  These  contain  many  interesting  and  useful  muni- 
cipal regulations. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK. 


32 


the  principal  mercantile  mart  of  the  city,  where  the 
chief  stores  and  counting1  houses  of  the  merchants 
are  situated.  It  commences  at  the  Battery,  and 
leads,  by  a  winding  course,  into  Broadway.  W iter- 
street,  Front-street,  and  South-street,  which  run  pa- 
rallel with  Pearl- Street,  betwixt  it  and  the  river, 
are  occupied  with  extensive  warehouses  for  deposit- 
ing" merchandise,  and  with  stores  containing"  the  ne- 
cessary supplies  for  shipping. 

In  Wall-street,  which  commences  at  Broadway, 
crosses  Pearl- street,  and  descends  to  the  river,  are 
situated  the  Banking-houses,  Custom-house,  In- 
surance offices,  Tontine  (Coffee-house,  the  offices  of 
Exchange  Brokers,  and  most  other  public  mercan- 
tile offices.  This  is  a  very  handsome,  airy  street. 
Towards  the  bottom,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Pearl- 
street,  and  in  front  of  the  Coffee-house,  the  public 
sales  by  auction  are  conducted,  which  renders  this 
quarter  extremely  busy,  and  gives  a  very  favourable 
and  correct  idea  of  the  extensive  trade  and  commerce 
of  New- York. 

Chatham-street,  is  an  elegant  street,  in  which  a 
good  deal  of  retail  business  is  transacted.  It  leads 
out  of  Broadway  into  the  Bowery  road,  and  together 
form  one  of  the  most  spacious  streets  in  the  city.  At 
its  entrance,  adjoining  the  Park,  Chatham-street  is  as 
wide  as  Broadway ;  and  the  Bowery  road  measures,  in 
breadth,  about  130  feet.  The  Bowery  road  termi- 
nates in  the  Bloomingdale  road,  where  it  forms  a 
junction  with  Broadway. 

Washington-street,  and  Greenwich- street,  are  exten- 
sive lines  on  the  Hudson  side  of  the  city  ;  the  latter 
is  a  place  of  considerable  retail  trade.  Both  run 
parallel  to  each  other,  and  to  the  river,  to  nearly  the 
whole  extent  of  the  place. 

Maiden  Lane,  John-street,  Nassau  and  Broad- 
streets,  Pine-street,  William-street,  Hudson-street  and 
Cherry-street,  though  second  rate  streets,  are  of  con- 
siderable trade  and  importance. 

D 


38 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


Fulton-street  is  remarkable  chiefly  from  its  having 
been  lately  formed,  and  so  named  after  the  ingenious 
and  patriotic  inventor  of  the  Steam  Boats.  It  runs 
across  the  city,  from  the  Hudson  to  the  East  river ;  and 
commences,  very  appropriately,  on  the  Hudson  side, 
near  where  the  Steam  Boats  to  Albany  and  Pawles 
Hook  have  their  stations ;  and  terminates,  on  the  East 
river  side,  where  the  Steam  Boats  to  Brooklyn  and 
New  Haven  take  their  departure. 

Wells  and  pumps  are  to  be  met  with  in  almost 
every  street;  these  afford  an  excellent  supply  of 
wholesome  spring1  water  to  the  inhabitants.  Most  of 
the  private  families  have  also  cisterns  for  rain  water 
in  their  gardens,  which  they  use  in  washing  clothes. 
Overseers  of  the  wells  and  pumps  are  appointed  annu- 
ally by  the  magistrates ;  whose  duty  it  is  to  cause  the 
wells  and  pumps  to  be  regularly  examined,  cleansed, 
and  kept  in  proper  repair,  under  a  penalty.  Persons 
injuring  the  wells  or  pumps,  are  punished  by  fine  or 
imprisonment*. 

Several  Squares  are  laid  down  in  the  plan,  which 
in  a  few  years  will  prove  a  great  ornament  to  the 
city.  They  are  not,  however,  in  that  state  of  forma- 
tion at  present,  that  will  admit  of  any  satisfactory 
description. 


Perhaps  no  place  in  the  world  is  better  provided 
with  markets,  or  with  a  more  regular  supply  of  ex- 
cellent provisions,  than  the  city  of  New- York.  It 
has  no  less  than  eight  established  market  places,  viz. 


4  Catharine    do.     8  Grand-street  do. 
Fly  Market. — This  is  the  principal  market  place 


*  See  Abstract  of  I^aws  tpid  Ordinances  in  the  Appendix. 


PUBLIC  MARKETS. 


1  Fly  Market 

2  Washington  do. 

3  Duane  do. 


5  Spring -street  Market 

6  Greenwich  do. 

7  Governeur  do. 


TO  THE  CITT  OF  JTEW-YORK.  39 

in  the  city.  It  is  situated  towards  the  lower  part  of 
Maiden  Lane,  in  the  2d  ward.  It  extends  across 
Pearl-street,  Water-street  and  South-street,  down 
to  the  Fly  market  Slip  on  the  East  river.  The  Dutch 
formerly  called  this  the  Vlaie  market,  which  signifies 
the  valley  or  meadow  market ;  the  ground  where  it 
stands  being  formerly  a  salt  meadow,  with  a  creek 
running  through  it.    Fly  is  a  corruption  of  Vlaie. 

Washington  Market*  is  in  the  3d  ward,  between 
the  bottom  of  Vesey-street  and  Fulton-street.  It 
fronts  Washington-street,  having  the  Corporation 
Docks,  on  the  North  river,  immediately  behind  it. 
This  market  ranks  the  second  in  importance  in  the 
city. 

Duane  Market,  is  situated  in  the  5th  ward,  be- 
tween Duane-street  and  Read-street,  fronting  Wash- 
ington-street. 

Catharine  Market.  This  market  is  in  the  7th 
ward,  and  lies  towards  the  lower  part  of  Catharine- 
street.  It  crosses  Cherry-street,  Water-street,  and 
Front-street,  and  terminates  at  the  dock,  near  the 
Brooklyn  Team  Boat  office. 

Spring-street  Market,  stands  in  the  8th  ward,  at 
the  bottom  of  Spring-street,  next  the  river  Hudson ; 
it  fronts  Greenwich-street. 

Greenwich  Market.  This  market  is  situated  near- 
ly opposite  to  the  State  Prison.    It  is  in  the  8th 

•  Formerly  this  market  was  called  the  Bear  or  Bart  market, 
from  the  circumstance,  according  to  some  accounts,  of  the  Indiana 
being  in  the  practice  at  an  early  period  of  the  colony,  of  bringing 
Bear's  flesh  to  New  York,  and  selling  it  here  Other  accounts  *tate, 
that  it  derived  the  name  from  its  once  toeing,  for  a  considerable 
time,  very  sparingly  supplied  with  provisions,  owing  to  few  inha- 
bitants being  in  that  quarter  to  create  a  demand.  During  the  re- 
volutionary war,  the  houses  in  this  part  of  the  city  were  burnt 
down  by  the  enemy.  On  their  expulsion  a  new  market  was  reared,, 
upwards  of  twelve  months  before  the  houses  were  rebuilt :  hence 
the  little  demand  for  provisions,  and  the  ban  appearance  of  the 
p'ace.  Picture  of  Nen-  York, 


40 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


Ward,  at  the  bottom  of  Cristopher-street,  fronting 
Washing-ton  Street. 

Governeur  Market,  is  situated  in  the  7th  Ward, 
at  the  bottom  of  Governeur  Street,  nearly  adjoin- 
ing- to  Water  Street. 

Grand-street  Market.  This  market  stands  in  the 
10th  Ward,  at  the  corner  of  Goerck  Street,  in 
Grand  Street,  immediately  above  the  Long  Island 
Row  Boat  ferry  Office. 

There  is  a  public  market  every  day  of  the  week 
except  Sunday  in  New- York,  for  the  sale  of  beef, 
veal,  mutton,  lambs  pork,  poultry,  butter,  eggs, 
fruit  and  veg-etables.  Fish  and  milk  are  sold  every 
day  of  the  week,  but  the  market  on  Sunday  for  these 
must  be  closed  by  9  o'clock  in  the  morning-;  the 
sale  of  milk  may  be  again  resumed  at  five  o'clock  in 
the  evening-. 

Between  the  1st  of  May  and  the  1st  of  Novem-> 
ber  all  other  sales  through  the  week,  must  be  over 
by  one  o'clock  P.  M;  and  at  two  o'clock  P.  M. 
during-  the  rest  of  the  year,  with  the  exception  of 
Saturday,  on  which  day  the  market  is  kept  open 
from  sunrise  to  sunset,  during-  the  whole  year.  The 
sale  of  all  unwholesome  and  stale  provisions  is  strict- 
ly prohibited.  Every  article  brought  to  market  in 
summer  must  be  fresh  killed  ;  and  to  prevent  infec- 
tion, the  intrails,  offal  and  skins  (except  calves  skins) 
of  all  animals,  are  not  allowed  to  be  brought  into 
the  market  place  from  May  to  November.  The 
greatest  care  is  likewise  taken  to  keep  the  stalls 
clear  of  all  nuisance,  and  corruptible  matter. 

The  butchers  meat  of  every  kind,  poultry,  and  every 
other  eatable  article  exposed  for  sale  in  the  markets 
of  New- York,  are  not  to  be  surpassed  in  quality  in 
any  other  part  of  the  world ;  and  the  varieties  of  fowl, 
game,  and  fish,  are,  probably,  unequalled  any  where 
else.*  But,  whatis  of  still  more  consequence,  the 
*  It  has  been  ascertained,  that,  in  the  course  of  the  year  there 
may  bet purchased  in  whole  or  in  part  in  the  markets  of  New-York,  S 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


41 


abundance  which  nature  has  here  so  amply  provided, 
is  within  the  reach  of  the  poorest  mechanic,  his 
wages  being*  more  than  sufficient  to  purchase  the 
common  necessaries  of  life.  Nor  are  provisions  in 
IN  ew- York  markets  apt  to  be  increased  in  price  by- 
engrossers,  it  being  declared  unlawful  for  any  person 
to  purchase  to  sell  again,  in  any  part  of  the  city, 
before  mid-day.  As  to  flour  and  meal,  no  wholesale 
purchases  intended  for  retail,  can  be  made  before  4 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon ;  and  Hucksters  are  confi- 
ned entirely  to  the  sale  of  vegetables  and  fruit. 
Butchers  being  licensed  for  permission  to  occupy 
stalls,  this  gives  the  magistrates  an  immediate  con- 
troul  over  them. 


HOTELS  AND  BOARDING  HOUSES. 
The  city  of  New- York  is  amply  provided  with 
these  for  the  accommodation  of  visitors.  There  are  no 

species  of  wild  quad  upeds ;  5  of  amphibious  creatures :  15  of  shellfish 
and  150  of  birds,  &YL  fit  for  human  food. 

The  Fish  market  may  be  considered  as  the  general  deposit  of 
every  eatable,  and  every  curious  inhabitant  of  the  waters.  Every 
thing  that  gratifies  the  appetite  for  food  or  for  novelty  centres 
here.  Notwithstanding  this,  it  is  an  extraordinary  fact,  that  until 
Dr.  Mitchill  commenced  his  investigat  ons,  there  Was  not  a  good  cat- 
alogue  of  our  fishes,  and  it  is  well  known  that  New-York  is  very 
seldom  mentioned  in  the  books  of  Ichthyology.  That  dist  nguished 
gentleman  commenced  his  labours  in  1813,  and  he  began  at  the  very 
elements.    Every  sort  of  fish  was  p'  ocured,  examined  a  d  described. 

The  specimen  and  the  description  were  next  compared  with  those 
in  the  best  books  I  he  frequently  dissected  the  individuals  \*h  ch  he 
had  described,  in  order  to  make  himself  acquainted  with  the  internal 
marks  and  characters,  and  sometimes  he  satisfied  himself  experi- 
mentally on  their  qualities  as  food.  The  whole  which  the  Doctor 
has  examined  and  described  amount  to  about  One  hundred  and 
Sixty  spec  es  and  varieties.  If  the  whole  world  conta'iD  1000  species 
of  fish,  as  it  is  said,  it  is  not  unreasonable  to  suppose  that  the  United 
States,  and  their  dependencies  contain  between  3  and  400.  See  Tt  ans. 
of  Lit.  and  Phil.  Society;  in  which  the  Doctor's  account  will  be 
found  of  the  New- York  Fishes,  illustrated  by  engravings, 
D  2 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


lodging-  houses  or  furnished  apartments  here  as  in 
England.  Strangers,  whether  families  or  individuals, 
must,  on  their  arrival,  board  in  the  place  where  they 
lodge.  Unfurnished  rooms  may  sometimes  be  had; 
but  these  have  been  difficult  to  procure  of  late,  owing 
to  the  rapid  increase  of  the  population.  The  usual 
time  of  letting  houses  is  previous  to  the  1st  of  May. 
The  following  is  a  list  of  the  Hotels : 

1.  City  Hotel,  Broadway. 

2.  Merchant's  Hotel,  Wall-street. 

3.  Mechanics'  Hall,  Broadway. 

4.  Tontine  Coffee  House,  Wall-street. 

5.  Bank  Coffee  House,  Pine-street. 

6.  Tammany  Hall,  Nassau-street 

7.  Washington  Hall,  Broadway. 

8.  Commerce  Hotel,  Pearl-street. 

The  principal  of  these  is  The  City  Hotel  in  Broad- 
wajr.  It  is  an  immense  building  5  stories  in  height, 
and  contains  78  rooms  of  various  dimensions,  fitted 
up  and  furnished  in  a  tasteful,  elegant,  and  con- 
venient manner.  In  a  place  like  New-York,  where 
every  luxury  of  the  table  is  to  be  obtained,  it  is 
scarcely  necessary  to  add,  that  the  proprietor  of  this 
Hotel  makes  it  his  constant  study  to  provide  the  best 
of  every  thing  for  his  visitors.  Next  in  importance 
to  the  City  Hotel  is  Merchant's  Hotel  in  Wall- 
Street.  President  Munroe,  in  his  late  tour  through 
the  United  States,  lodged  here  during  his  stay  at 
New- York.  The  other  Hotels  will  be  found  respec- 
table and  the  accommodation  good. 

Of  Boarding  Houses  there  is  a  great  variety, 
suited  to  the  different  ranks  and  conditions  of  life. 
Some,  where  the  charge  for  board  and  lodging  is  as 
low  as  %  2  a  week  ;  and  others  where  as  much,  and 
in  some  cases,  more,  is  charged  per  day.  Strangers 
ought  to  be  careful,  when  entering  any  of  these,  to 
understand  the  terms  upon  which  they  are  to  be 
received. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF~NEW-YORK.  43 

POPULATION. 

A  general  census  of  the  population  of  the  United 
States  is  taken  every  ten  years  by  the  general  go- 
vernment. By  that  of  1800  it  appears  that  New- 
York  city  and  county  contained  60,489  inhabitants. 
In  1805,  immediately  after  the  disappearance  of  the 
epidemic  disease,  which  had  previously  ravaged  the 
city,  an  enumeration  was  made  by  the  Common  Coun- 
cil, when  it  was  found  that  the  population  had  increas- 
ed to  75,770;  of  which  35,384  males,  and  36,378 
females,  were  whites  ;  864  males,  and  1096  females, 
were  people  of  colour  and  free  negroes;  and  818 
males,  and  1230  females,  were  slaves. 

In  1810,  under  the  general  census,  the  popula- 
tion was  ascertained  to  have  increased  to  96373,  be- 
ing only  392  persons  short  of  the  entire  population  of 
the  whole  province  or  state  of  New-York  in  the  year 
1756.  Last  year,  the  inhabitants  were  again  enu- 
merated by  the  Common  Council,  when  the  number 
was  found  to  be,  10,0619;  of  which  51,378  were 
females,  and  48,741  males  ;  giving  an  excess  of 
3137  females  on  the  whole  population.  In  this  re- 
turn was  included  6985  aliens ;  7774  people  of 
colour  and  free  negroes  ;  and  617  slaves. 

On  contrasting  the  state  of  the  population  at  pre- 
sent with  what  it  was  in  1805,  it  will  be  seen  that 
the  number  of  slaves  has  decreased  more  than  two 
thirds.  In  1805,  they  amounted  to  2048  ;  in  1816, 
to  617*. 

The  following  is  the  official  census  of  the  whole 
population,  taken  during  the  last  year  under  the 
authority  of  the  Common  Council.    It  contains  also 
|  a  return  of  the  official  number  of  jurors  in  each 
ward  of  the  city,  and  the  number  of  tenants  rentir  g 
I  houses  at  $5  per  annum,  together  with  those  possess- 
I  ing  freeholds  of  £20  and  under,  and  of  ,£100  and 
upwards. — 

*  By  section  32d  of  the  Act  of  the  Legislature  relative  to  slaves 
and  servants  passed  3lst  March  1817   it  is  enacted  "  that  every 
I  »e gro.  mulatto  or  raustee  within  this  state  bom  before  the  4th  dav 
of  July  1799,  stoDjfrom  and  afjer  ths  4th  day  of  Joly  I8?7,be/;er. 


44  the  stranger's  guide 

Return  of  the  Inhabitants  in  the  City  and  County  of 
New-York*— 1816. 


tiuviiqDyu/  fo 
xdqmnu  iv\oj. 

cuo^ai-rccccoo    o  co 

G^OCOG^GVCOCOCOCO     tO  OS 
^^OOhtOO»0(0     G*  CO 
COWOOH^^O^  CO 

ri  r-i  t-        i-i  ,^A^r~l 

100619| 

•uuv  xid  75  3ui 

G^G^COCOOCOCCCO  OJ 

16197) 

/OOl  puv 

ioz/o  *vm*™f 

spxViUdn  <y  7001 
fo  spjoywj 

i— i            iO  O  O)  GO 
l»             CD  CO  O  iO             CO  r-t 
Cl^S^ri^        t*«  GO 

Slaves. 

g  ice  <o  <o  co  oa  co  i>  co      o>  o 

«    OU5^G0rH&<        i-i        CO  G« 

Oi 

cc 

GO 

|  Male  | 

CO  iO  *t  iO  CO        LO  CO        LO  05 

CO 
G* 

Coloured 
Inhabit- 
ants not 
Slaves, 

Fern 

cr^G^oscsciOsco^      —  g* 

mOJG^COt^fHMiO        CO  CO 
LOCOuOTfcOOOG^G^       i-i  Gt 

4576 

Male] 

COG<C)(N1'J>C5CO        CN»  C5 
tOCOOi^t-COt^O  GO 
COi-tG^GOCOCO^r-i       1-4  G* 

e'- 
er. 

GO 

Aliens. 

Fern 

I*        ^  m  CO  ^  rn  o 

GO  t-  —  O  O       CO  ifl 
G*  CO      to  r* 

'3094 

Male  j 

ait^rfLOr-^TtGOGO       i>  CO 

-H^MrHlOLTrHlfl         GO  CO 
tHHTHLQCOCOTtm          G*  to 

3891 

White 
Inhabitants, 

Female  \ 

TfcOCOi—  COCOi>COOC01>CO 

Tfr»iocooo5G^Tri-icor-i^ 

COf»COCOCOCO^-lNHHHTf 
COCOGO^CO^t^LO       i-H  to 

ob 
cc 

CO 

Male.  | 

coco-^coa>cot*coLOO  r-> 

COGOGOrfiOTfGO^       i-h  to 

T 

84 
rt< 

•sjioinf  Jb 
i3qxunu  \v\oj, 

COOCOOOGOOO  C  CO  <UI> 
COU^GOCOtO^COGO   OS*   £  GO 

PL,  ffi 

GO 
C5 

fc- 

co 

1st  Ward 

2d 

3d 

5th 
6th 
7th 
8th 

State 

9th 

Alms 

I  Oth 

T—  

*  la  1699,  shortly  after  the  Dutch  were  expelled  by  the  En 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK. 


45 


PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


GITY  HALL. 

The  City  Hall  is  the  most  prominent ,  and  most 
important  building  in  New-York.  It  is  the  hand- 
somest structure^  in  the  United  States ;  perhaps  of 
its  size,  in  the  World.  This  chaste  and  beautiful 
edifice  stands  near  the  upper  end  of  the  Park,  and 
though  somewhat  incumbered  by  the  -••ear  vicinity 
of  the  Bridewell  and  Jail,  it  is  seen  to  considerable 
advantage  from  almost  every  quarter. 

The  building  is  of  a  square  form,  two  stories  in 
height  besides  a  basement  story.    It  has  a  wing  at 

lish,  the  population  of  the  city  of  New  York  amounted  to  6000* 
In  1790,  a  out  a  century  after,  it  had  increased  to  43,131.— 
Comparative  Census  of  the  Capitals  in  the  U.  States 


NAMES. 


Philadelphia  city 
and  Liberties 


New-York 
County 

Baltimore  C 
precincts 

Boston 


City 


1730 
1800 
1810 
1790 
1.  00 

18:0 

1816 
17.0 


Charleston,  S.  C 


(  18(0 

ft 
r  1790 
}  1800 
(  1810 


ProvideDce 


1790 
.  1800 
I  181Q 


1810 
1790 
1S00 
I  1810 
[  17.0 

Portland,  (Mne  ))  1800 
Washington 


Portsmouth, 
(N.  H.) 


(  I7UU 
))  1800 
)  1810 
1810 


Males 

Fem, 

free  p 

Sla-v  e* 

Total 

ln- 
ciease 

19604 

208  8 

"1805 

273 

4*520 

28742 

29116 

6123 

«5 

f4035 

21515 

41  M0 

42323 

10J75 

2 

93640 

29605 

14107 

15254 

1101 

2:j69 

33131 

26728 

27394 

3499 

2868 

60489 

L'7358 

43448 

4:<!02 

Dl37 

1686 

96373 

35884 

467:1 

51878 

r985 

617 

!00f  19 

41U6 

6422 

5503 

323 

1255 

13503 

11294 

9606 

2771 

2843 

26514 

13011 

19045 

17147 

5671 

4672 1  46535 

200il 

8410 

9576 

761 

none 

18747 

11274 

12489 

1174 

24S37 

6190 

15340 

16446 

1464 

33250 

8313 

4371 

3718 

586 

7684 

16359 

4295 

4259 

951 

9533 

18528 

2169 

5863 

5705 

1472 

11671 

24711 

5123 

2968 

2957 

427 

•  223 

6380 

3551 

3407 

656 

7614 

1234 

4427 

4773 

865 

6 

10071 

2457 

1401 

1517 

83 

3984 

6985 

2727 

2071 

1189 

3?48 

9745 

2760 

2131 

2487 

76 

26 

4720 

251 

268t, 

138 

none 

5339 

6.9 

3256 

35*7 

131 

6934 

1595 

none 

none 

none 

2240 

ft542 

18-:4 

118 

3704 

1464 

5327 

3640 

29! 

7169 

3:65 

2895 

2009 

867 

143? 

82081 

4j6  the  stranger's  guide 

each  end,  projecting  from  the  front,  and  in  the  centre 
the  roof  is  elevated  to  form  an  attic  story.  The  whole 
length  of  the  building-  is  216  feet,  the  breadth  105, 
and  the  height  51  feet.  Including  the  attic  story,'it 
is  65  feet  in  height.  The  front  and  both  ends,  above 
the  basement  story,  are  built  of  native  white  marble 
from  the  marble  quarries  on  the  North  River ;  and 
the  rest  of  the  building  is  constructed  of  brown  free 
stone.  The  roof  is  covered  with  copper,  and  there 
is  a  balustrade  of  marble  entirely  round  the  top. 
Rising  from  the  middle  of  the  roof,  is  a  Cupola,  on 
which  is  placed  a  colossal  figure  of  justice,  holding 
in  her  right  hand,  which  rests  on  her  forehead,  a 
balance,  and  in  her  left,  a  sword  pointing  to  the 
ground.  Justice  is  not  blindfold  as  she  is  repre- 
sented in  Europe. 

There  are  four  entrances  to  the  building:  one 
in  front,  one  in  the  rear,  and  one  in  each  end.  The 
front,  which  is  the  principal,  is  on  the  first  story, 
to  which  there  is  access  by  a  flight  of  12  marble 
steps,  rising  from  which  there  are  16  columns  sup- 
porting a  portico  immediately  over  the  entrance,  also 
composed  of  marble.  In  the  centre  of  the  rear  of  the 
building,  there  is  a  projecting  pediment.  The  en- 
trance in  this  quarter  is  also  on  the  first  story,  by  a 
flight  of  free  stone  steps.  The  first  story  including 
the  portico,  is  of  the  Ionic,  the  second  of  the 
Corinthian,  the  attic  of  the  Fancy,  and  the  Cupola  of 
the  Composite  orders. 

At  the  front  entrance  there  are  5  doors  leading 
into  the  Lobby*,  the  roof  of  which  is  supported  by  °20 
square  piers  of  marble.  To  the  right  and  left,  there 
is  a  gallery  stretching  to  both  eDds  of  the  building, 
the  floor  also  of  marble. — In  this  story  apartments  are 
allotted  to  the  court  of  Chanrery,  Committee  room, 
Common  Council  office,  Street  Commissioner' office, 
Mayor's  office,  Board  of  Health,  Sheriff  s  off;  e,  City 
Inspector's  office.  Recorder's  office,  Register's  ffice, 
Surrogate's  office,  Supreme  Court  Clerk's  office, 


TO  THE  CTTY  OF  NEW-YOHK.  41 

Clerk  of  Session's  office,  county  Clerk's  office,  and 
house  keeper's  room ;  in  all  14  apartments. 

Three  stair  cases  lead  from  the  first  to  the  second 
story.  The  principal  of  these,  is  in  the  centre  of  the 
geometrical  construction,  with  marble  steps;  the 
other  two  are  in  the  gallery,  one  towards  each  of  the 
ends,  of  a  plain  form,  and  the  steps  of  the  same 
materials. — Round  the  top  of  the  centre  stair-case 
there  is  a  circular  gallery,  railed  in,  likewise  floored 
with  marble ;  from  which  ten  marble  columns  ascend 
to  the  ceiling,  which  here  opens  and  displays  a  hand- 
some Dome,  ornamented  in  great  taste,  with  stucco, 
and  giving  light  from  the  top  to  the  interior  of  the 
building.  Another  gallery,  runs  in  the  centre  from 
one  end  to  the  other.  On  this  story  are  the  Common 
Council  room,  the  Governor's  room,  Comptroller's 
office,  Court  of  Sessions,  District  court,  Mayor's 
court,  Supreme  court,  United  States'  District  court, 
and  the  offices  belonging  to  the  clerk  of  that  court, 
and  of  the  District  court. 

The  entrances  at  the  ends  lead  to  the  basement 
story,  through  the  middle  of  which  there  is  an  arched 
passage  or  gallery,  stretching  from  one  end  to  the 
other.  Opening  into  this  passage  are  the  Marine,  or 
Justice's  court,  Police  office,  Jury  room,  and  Watch 
office. 

The  foundation  stone  of  this  noble  building  was 
laid  on  26th  Sept.  1803,  during  the  mayoralty  of 
Edward  Livingston,  Esq.  and  at  a  time  when  the 
yellow  fever  prevailed  in  the  city.  It  was  finished  in 
1812,  and  the  expense,  exclusive  of  the  furniture^ 
j  amounted  to  half  a  million  of  dollars. 

The  City-Hall  was  originally  intended  for,  and  is 
now  applied  to,  the  use  of  the  Common  Council,  in 
their  different  meetings  respecting  the  affairs  of  the 
city,*  and  for  the  judges  of  the  courts  of  law  to  hold 

*  It  has  been  remarked  that  there  is  no  apartment  in  the  City 
Hall  sufficiently  large  to  contain  the  citizens  at  any  general  meet* 
fag.  This  is  considered  a  defect,  which,  howeyer,  may.be  easily  re- 


48 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


their  sitting's,  as  well' as  for  the  various  offices  con- 
nected with  these  departments.  Of  these  we  shall 
give  a  short  sketch,  beginning  with  the  Council 
room.  This  apartment  measures  42  feet  by  30. — 
It  is  fitted  up  in  an  elegant  and  commodious  manner 
for  the  meetings  of  the  corporation  which  are  open  at 
all  times  to  the  citizens.  The  chair  for  the  mayor  is 
the  same  that  was  used  by  General  Washington 
when  he  presided  at  the  first  Congress,  which  was 
held  in  this  city.  It  is  elevated  by  a  few  steps  on 
the  south  side  of  the  room,  and  surmounted  by  a 
canopy.  The  aldermen  sit  in  a  circular  form  in  the 
body  of  the  room,  and  at  the  upper  end,  immedi- 
ately beneath  the  chair,  there  is  a  table  for  the  clerk 
of  the  council.  Neither  the  Mayor  nor  Aldermen 
wear  any  distinguishing  dress  or  insignia  of  office. 
In  the  Council  room  there  are  full  length  pictures  of 
General  Washington;  of  George  Clinton,  the  first 
Governor  of  the  state  of  New- York ;  of  Governor 
John  Jay,  Chief  Justice  of  the  United  States, 
and  envoy  extraordinary  to  Great  Britain ;  and  of 
Alexander  Hamilton,  Esq.  aid-de-camp  to  General 
"Washington,  and  first  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  of 
the  United  States.  These  pictures  were  painted  by 
Trumbull,  are  well  executed,  and  do  honor  to  the 
talents  of  the  artist.  That  of  Gen.  Washington  is 
considered  the  best  likeness  of  him,  during  the 
prime  of  life,  in  all  the  Union. 

The  Common  Council  of  the  city  and  county  of 
New-York,  consists  of  a  mayor,  recorder,  10  alder- 
men, and  10  assistant  aldermen,  who  choose  a  cham- 
berlain or  treasurer,  and  a  clerk.  The  city  is  di- 
vided into  10  wards**  The  citizens  resident  in  these, 

medied  by  erecting  another  building  connecttd  with  it,  for  which 
there  is  ample  space  of  ground  in  the  rear. 

*  The  following  we  the  wards  of  the  city,  as  fixed  by  act  o?  the 
legislature  of  15th  April,  1817. 

1st  JVard,  B<-£ins  in  the  middle  ef  Broadway  where  it  is  intersect- 
ed by  the  middle  of  Liberty-street :  thence  southeasterly  to  the  Bkkt 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW* YORK. 


•49 


elect  the  Aldermen  and  assistants,  two  assessors,  one 
collector,  and  two  constables,  annually  All  tree- 
holders,  freemen  and  citizens  of  the  United  States, 
who  have  resided  six  months  in  this  city  next  pre- 
vious to  the  elections,  and  who  have  paid  taxes,  and 
rented  a  tenement  of  the  value  of  #25,  are  qualified 
to  vote  at  these  elections. — The  Recorder,  Clerk  of 
the  city  and  county,  who  is  also  Clerk  of  the  Mayor's 

die  of  Maiden-lane  :  thence  id  a  straight  line,  running  in  the  same 
direction,  across  the  East  river,  to  low  water  mark  on  Nassau  Island  : 
thence  along  the  shore  to  the  south  side  of  Red-hook  :  thence  across 
Hudson's  river  (including  Nutten  Island,  Bedlow's  Island,  Bucking- 
ham Island,  Oyster  Islands,  and  the  waters  in  the  bay,  and  to  the 
southward  not  included  in  any  other  county)  to  low  water  mark  on 
the  west  side  of  Hudson's  river :  thence  along  the  west  side  of  the 
river  to  a  place  due  west,  from  the  middle  of  the  west  end  of  Liberty- 
street:  thence  to  the  middle  of  Liberty-street,  through  the  middle 
of  Broadway  at  the  place  of  beginning. 

2d  Ward,  commences  at  the  southeasterly  corner  of  the  first 
ward,  runs  along  its  easterly  bounds,  across  the  East  river  to  the 
in'.ddle  of  Broadway:  thence  to  a  point  opposite  to  the  middle  of 
Chatham-street :  thence  to  a  point  opposite  to  the  middle  of  George's 
street :  thence  to  the  middle  of  Gold-street:  thence  to  a  point  oppo- 
site to  the  middle  of  Ferry-street :  thence  in  a  line  running  in  the 
same  direction,  across  the  East  river,  to  Nassau  Island,  at  low  water 
mark  :  thence  along  Nassau  Island,  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

3d  Ward,  begins  on  the  west  side  of  Hudson's  river,  at  the  north- 
westerly corner  of  the  1st  ward  :  thence  due  east,  to  the  middle  0| 
Liberty  treet :  thence  to  the  middle  of  Broadway  :  thence  to  a  point 
opposite  to  the  middle  of  Reed-street :  thence  in  a  line  running  in 
the  same  direction  across  Hudson's  river  to  low  water  mark  on  the 
west  side  thereof:  thence  along  the  side  of  the  river  to  the  place  of 
beginning. 

Ath  Ward,  begins  at  the  northerly  corner  of  the  2d  ward  :  runs 
through  the  middle  of  Chatham-street,  to  a  point  opposite  to  the  mid- 
dle of  Catherine-street  :  thence  in  a  line  running  in  the  same  d\ 
rection,  across  the  East  river  to  low  water  mark,  on  Nassau  Island  : 
thence  along  the  shore  to  the  bounds  of  the  second  ward  :  thence 
northwesterly  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

bih  Wardl  logins  at  the  northwesterly  comer  of  the  third  ward  j- 


50 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


court,  Sheriff,  and  Coroner,  are  appointed  by  the 
Council  of  Appointment.  This  council  consists  of  the 
Governor  of  the  state,  and  four  senators,  specially 
recognized  by  the  constitution,  and  who  meet  at  Al- 
bany at  the  call  of  the  Governor. 

Besides  the  power  belonging  to  the  corporation 
of  enacting  all  municipal  laws,  and  of  enforcing  their 
observance  under  proper  penalties  *  the  Mayor,  Re- 
runs along  its  northerly  bounds  to  the  middle  of  Bioadway  :  thence 
to  the  middle  of  Canal-street:  thence  to  Hudson's  river  •  thence  due 
west  to  low  water  mark  on  the  west  side  of  the  river :  thence  along 
the  river  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

6th  Ward,  commences  at  a  point  in  the  middle  of  Broadway, 
where  it  is  intersected  by  the  middle  of  Reid  street :  them  e  t;»  where 
it  is  intersected  by  the  middle  of  Grand-street :  thence  to  the  middle 
of  the  Bowery  road  :  thence  to  the  middle  of  Chatham-street :  thence 
to  the  middle  of  Broadway,  at  the  place  of  beginning. 

7th  Ward^  begins  at  the  southeasterly  corner  rf  the  fourth  ward  : 
runs  along  the  easterly  boundary  of  that  ward  to  the  middle  of  Diri- 
won-street :  thence  to  the  nvddleof  Grand-street :  thence  in  a  line, 
running  in  the  same  direction  across  the  East  river  to  low  water 
mark  on  Nassau  Island :  thence  along  the  shore  to  the  place  of  be- 
ginning. 

8ih  Ward,  commences  at  the  northwesterly  corner  of  the  5th 
ward  :  runs  along  its  northerly  boundaries  to  the  middle  of  Broad- 
way :  thence  to  a  point  opposite  to  the  middle  of  Grand-street : 
thence  to  the  middle  of  the  Bowery  road  :  thence  to  a  point  oppo- 
site to  the  middle  of  Art-street :  thence  to  a  point  opposite  to  the 
middle  of  Christopher-street :  thence  to  Hudson's  river  at  low  water 
mark  :  thence  along  the  side  of  the  river  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

Qth  Ward,  includes  all  that  part  of  the  city  which  lies  to  the  north- 
ward and  eastward  of  a  line  beginning  at  the  northwesterly  corner  of 
the  8th  ward,  and  running  along  its  northern  bounds  to  the  middle  of 
the  Bowery  road  :  thence  to  a  point  opposite  to  the  middle  of 
Sixth-street :  thence  in  a  line,  running],  in  the  same  direction,  to  low 
water  mark  on  Nassau  Island. 

10th  Ward,  include  s  ;ill  the  residue  of  the  city. 

*  An  abstract  of  the  laws  and  ordinance  of  the  corporation  wiH 
be  found  in  the  appendix. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


61 


eorder,  and  Aldermen,  are  by  virtue  of  their  office, 
justices  of  the  peace,  having-  power  to  hold  courts  of 
general  sessions,  and  to  decide  as  to  all  offences 
coming"  under  the  cognizance  of  the  regular  justices 
of  the  peace.  They  are  likewise  included  in  the 
commission  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  for  the  trial  of 
capital  offences;  and  hold  a  court  of  common  pleas, 
called  the  Mayor's  court,  in  which  civil  actions  are 
tried  of  every  description. 

It  belongs  to  the  Mayor  and  Aldermen,  who  are  su- 
pervisors of  taxes,  to  regulate  all  levies  of  public 
money,  previously  authorized  by  the  legislature,  for 
supporting  the  poor  and  other  necessary  purposes ; 
and  on  the  second  ?»londay  of  May,  annually,  the  city 
comptroller  exhibits  to  the  finance  Board,  composed 
of  members  of  the  common  council,  a  particular 
statement  of  all  the  money  received,  and  the  sums 
paid,  for  the  use  of  the  city.  This  is  afterwards  pub- 
lished for  the  information  of  the  citizens.  In  the 
other  counties  of  the  state,  the  common  council  of 
their  own  power  levy  taxes.  All  taxes  in  the  city 
and  county  of  New- York  are  raised  by  laws,  specially 
enacted  for  the  purpose  by  the  legislature. 

The  following*  official  statement  of  the  receipts 
and  expenditure  for  the  year  ending  May  12th  1817, 
will  show  the  magnitude  of  the  financial  concerns 
of  this  city.  In  1812  they  amounted  to  $1,0123460 
58.  Last  year  they  were  $483,011  44. 


52  THE  STRANG ER1S  C.L  IDL 

CITY  AND  COUNTY 
Account  of  Cash  Received  and  Paid  from 


To  (  ash  paid  for  Han  il ton  Square  Lots  returned,       dols  5:^5  27 

do  Inciinburgh  B  n  s  for  Lots  do.  2K39  53 

do  Collect  :round  filling          -        -  1613  77 

do  Canal-street            -         -        -  259'j  48 

do  Commissioners  of  Streets  and  Roads  2500  00 

do  Road.  ,  repairing      -  3758  77 

do  First  Avenue,  balance        -         -  3621  45 

do  Third  Avenue,   do           -  23345  40 

do  Eighth  Avenue,  do            -        -  9552  12, 

do  Ninth  Avenue,    do           -  87  65 

do  28th  street          do           -  153  51 

do  Alms  House,  for  support  of  the  Poor  90886  00 

do  New  Alms  House  building            -  30000  00 

do  Watch           ....  57401  50 

do  Fire  Department,  for  ground  purchased 

and  new  engine  houses    -        -  35256  75 

do  tamps          -  28496  41 

do  City  Stock,  interest  5  quarters      -  52500  00 

do  Salaries         -        •         -        -  29063  97 

do  County  Contingencies         -        -  22049  39 

do  Gas  Light  Experiment       -        -  5927  25 

do  Commissioners  Common  Schools    -  5024  26 

do  Charitable  Institutions                 -  382^  00 

do  Repairs  and  Improvements  in  the  City  25341  29 

do  Police  Office           ...  42'3  71 

do  Tax  9th  Ward,  1815,  overpaid  Si  refunded    791  86 

do  Wells  and  Pumps      -         -        -  4688  88 

do  Health  Office           -         -        -  2  68  75 

do  Interest         ....  1780  03 

do  Signal  Poles            -  165  00 

do  Intestate  Estates      -        -        -  46  96 

do  Bi.ls  of  Credit          -         -         -  16908  44 

Balance  in  the  Treasury,  Uth  May,  1817     .        -  H063  94 

doh.  483Q11  44 


TO  THE  CITY  OP  NEW- YORK.  53 

OF  NEW- YORK. 

May  13,  1816.  to  May  12, 1817. 

Bai..n-e  in  the  Treasury,  May  3,  1816  -  dols  7836  89 
Casa  Received  ol  Mechanics' Bank  .  -  110000  00 


do 

Common  Lands,  Rent 

2035  80 

do 

Ground  Rent  - 

18806  89 

do 

Water  Lot  Rent  - 

6224  15 

do 

Hou'-e  Rent  - 

62  50 

do 

Watch  House,  Wall-street 

6520  37 

do 

Ferries  - 

10466  82  1-2 

do 

Wash  ngton  Market  Cellars 

1023  74  1-2 

do 

Street  M  inure  on  account 

6750  00 

do 

Docks  an!  Slips,  baltnce  of  this  acct 

22^3  05 

do 

Defence  account  - 

39212  97 

do 

Sinking  Fund  -j 

11340  00 

do 

Mayoralty  Fees  • 

1533  21 

do 

Tavern  Licenses      -      ■  -     -  - 

6442  80 

do 

Vendue  Sales  - 

25395  It 

do 

Excise  • 

5749  25 

do 

Board  of  Health  Lottery 

4713  88 

do 

Tax  received  of  the  Collector,  9th 

War/4    for  1  ft  1  A 

27  39 

do 

Arrears  of  Tax,  7th  and  10th  Wards 

450  39 

do 

Tax  of  18  5 

25671  31 

do 

TaKofi8!6 

162583  74 

do 

Second  Avenue  balance 

1681  76  „ 

do 

Tenth  Arenue       do  - 

1C77  80 

do 

13th-street  do 

1118  00 

do 

70th-street  do 

500  00 

do 

125th-street  do 

34?  57 

do 

Streets          -  - 

22781  92 

do 

Jury  Fines 

11  12 

dols.  48301 1  44 

G.  N.  BLEECKER,  Comptroller. 

hrcYork,  May  12,  1817 


E 


34 


THE  STRANGERS  GUIDB 


By  a  recent  act  of  the  Legislature,  the  Mayor, 
Recorder,  5  Aldermen  and  5  assistants,  are  declared 
necessary  to  form  a  quorum  for  transacting  any 
business.  In  the  same  act  t  is  provided  that  the  salary 
of  the  Mayor  may  be  $7,000  per  annum,  cannot 
be  less  than  $5,500,  and  after  being  fixed,  it  cannot 
be  lessened  during  the  holding  of  the  then  incum- 
bent. Formerly  it  arose  chiefly  from  perquisites  of 
office.  It  has  never  been  less  than  g7,000.  The 
Comptroller's  annual  salary  is  $2,000,  out  of  which 
he  must  provide  a  Clerk  if  he  thinks  proper.  The 
present  Comptroller  discharges  the  whole  duties  of 
the  office  himself. 

Governor's  Room.  This  apartmen'  is  appropriated 
to  the  use  of  the  Governor  of  the  state,  when  he  visits 
the  city.  On  the  15th  April,  1814,  the  legislature 
granted  1000  dollars  towards  the  furnishing  of  the 
Governor's  room  in  a  suitable  manner.  This  sum  not 
being  adequate  to  the  purpose,  the  Common  Council 
supplied  the  further  advances.  It  is  a  very  handsome 
apartment ,  measuring  52  feet  by  20.  It  is  in  the  cen- 
ter of  the  second  story,  and,  from  the  windows  there 
is  a  communication  with  the  top  of  the  portico  in 
front  of  the  Hall.  This  is  surrounded  by  a  balustrade, 
and  commands  a  delightful  view  of  the  Park,  and  sur- 
rounding objects.  The  walls  of  the  room  are  hung 
with  pictures,  among  which  are  the  principal  naval  and 
military  heroes  who  distinguished  themselves  during 
the  late  struggle  with  Great  Britain,  executed  by 
Mr.  Jarvis,  a  young  artist  of  this  city.  The  others 
are  the  work  of  Trumbull.  The  whole  display  great 
taste  and  judgment,  and  are  held  to  be  excellent  like- 
nesses. 

Over  the  fire  place,  at  the  east  end  of  the  room,  is 
a  full  length  of  Governor  Tompkins,  and  a  portrait  of 
Governor  Bayard.  On  the  right  hang  a  full  length 
of  Commodore  Decatur,  and  on  the  left,  a  full  length 
of  Commodore  Bainbridge. 

Decatur  commanded  the  frigate  United  States  when 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK.  55 

she  fell  in  with  and  captured  the  British  frigate  Mace- 
donian,  on  25th  October,  1812.  The  United  States 
carried  44  guns,  and  had  5  men  killed  and  7  wounded. 
The  Macedonian  38  guns,  36  men  killed,  and  68 
wounded.  The  action  lasted  1  hour  and  30  minutes. 
On  15th  January,  1315,  Decatur,  with  the  President 
frigate  of  44  guns,  engaged  the  Endymion,  British 
frigate,  which  he  silenced,  and  would  have  taken,  had 
not  a  British  74,  and  two  frigates,  come  to  her  assis- 
tance. With  these  the  President  kept  up  a  running" 
fight  of  3  hours  and  30  minutes,  when  she  was  obliged 
to  surrender  to  the  enemy's  fleet.  On  board  the 
Guerriere,  of  44  guns,  on  June  17,  1815.  Decatur 
cantured  the  Mi-soda,  Algerine  frigate  of  46  guns, 
after  a  running  fight  of  25  minutes,  in  which  the  ene- 
my had  30  men  killed,  and  the  Guerriere  only  one 
wounded. 

Bainhridge  is  celebrated  for  having  captured  the 
British  frigate  Java,  of  38  guns,  when  commanding 
the  Constitution  of  44  guns,  on  29th  December  1812. 
The  action  lasted  55  minutes.  The  enemy  had  69 
men  killed  and  101  wounded;  the  Constitution  9 
killed  and  25  wounded. 

On  the  north  side  of  the  room,  and  on  the  right 
of  Decatur,  there  are  portraits  of  Gen.  Williams, 
and  Governor  Stuyvesant  the  last  Dutch  governor, 
and  a  full  length  of  Gen.  Swift  of  the  Engineers, 
who  laid  oat  and  superintended  the  military  works 
at  Haerlem  and  Brooklyn  heights  during  the  last 
war.  Next  to  these  are  portraits  of  Jacob  Radcliff, 
Esq.  the  present  Mayor;  of  Col.  Willet,  a  former 
Mayor,  who  held  the  rank  of  colonel  during  the 
Revolutionary  war ;  of  the  present  Governor  of  the 
State  De  Witt  Clinton,  also  formerly  Mayor ;  and  of 
Edward  Livingston,  Esq.  under  whose  Mayoralty 
the  foundation  of  the  city  Hall  was  laid. 

A  full  length  of  General  Brown  is  the  next  in 
order.  This  veteran  was  originally  a  schoolmaster, 
and  taught  the  children  of  the  Friends  in  New- York. 


56  THE  STRANGER^  GUIDE 

He  signalized  himself  during  Uie  last  war  in  so  distin- 
guished a  manner,  that  he  is  now  Commander  in 
Chief  of  the  Armies  of  the  Republic  for  the  Northern 
District.  On  3d;July  liM  4,  he  captured  Fort  Erie, 
in  which  there  was  137  British;  on  the  5th  he  de- 
feated the  British  under  Gen.  Riall  at  Ckippeway, 
and  forced  them  to  retreat  to  Fort  George.  In  this 
battle  the  enemy  had  143  killed,  329  wounded,  and 
46  missing;  the  Americans  60  killed  229  wounded, 
and  19  missing ;  and,  on  the  25th  of  the  same  month, 
lie  attacked  the  British  army  at  the  Falls  of  JVia- 
gara,  commanded  by  General  Drummond,  stormed 
his  batteries,  carried  his  artillery,  and  drove  him  from 
his  positions.  Here  Generals  Brown  and  Scott  were 
wounded,  notwithstanding  which  they  kept  posses- 
sion of  the  field  of  battle  for  3  hours,  and  retired  to 
their  camp  without  molestation.  In  this  sanguinary 
conflict,  which  lasted  about  7  hours,  the  Americans 
had  171  killed,  572  wounded,  and  117  missing.  The 
British  84  killed ;  559  wounded,  among  whom  were 
Generals  Drummond  and  Riall;  183  missing  and  43 
prisoners,  including  Riall.  On  the  1 7th  of  Septem- 
ber following,  General  Brown  made  a  sortie  from 
Fort  Erie,  attacked  the  British  camp,  destroyed 
their  batteries,  and  took  385  prisoners.  This  affair 
cost  the  General  79  killed,  216  wounded,  and  226 
missing.  The  killed  and  wounded  of  the  enemy  was 
much  greater. 

Next  to  General  Brown,  are  two  portraits,  one 
of  Richard  Varick,  Esq.  and  the  other  of  James 
Duane,  both  formerly  Mayors  of  the  city. 

On  the  West  end  of  the  room  are  placed,  full  length 
pictures  of  Governor  Lewis,  General  Macomb,  and 
Commodore  Hull.  Lewis  occupies  the  centre,  over 
the  fire-place ;  Hull  is  on  his  right ;  and  Macomb  on 
hit  left. 

The  naval  enterprise  of  Commodore  Hull  was  most 
conspicuously  displayed  in  his  capturing  the  British 
frigate  Guerrierc,  of  38  guns,  being  the  first  naval 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  57 

action  of  the  late  war.  Hull  commanded  the  frigate 
Constitution  of  44  guns.  The  engagement  continued 
25  minutes,  during"  which  the  British  had  15  killed 
and  64  wounded,  and  the  Americans  7  killed  and  7 
wounded. 

General  Macomb  commanded  the  forces  of  the 
United  States  at  Plattsburgh  on  1 1th  September, 
1313,  amounting  to  1500  regulars,  and  about  3,000 
militia.  With  this  handful  of  troops  he  repulsed  the 
British  general  Provost,  who  commenced  an  assault 
upon  the  forts  of  Plattsburgh,  with  14,000  well  dis- 
ciplined troops.  The  warm  reception  he  met  with 
i  compelled  him  under  cover  of  night  to  beat  a  retreat, 
after  destroying  an  immense  quantity  of  stores  and 
provisions.  His  movements  were  so  rapid,  that  he 
left  his  sick  and  wounded  behind  him. 

The  south  side  of  the  room,  to  the  left  of  Commo- 
dore Bainbridge,  is  graced  with  full  lengths  of  Cap- 
tain Macdonough  and  Captain  Perry,  and  a  small 
;  picture  of  General  Monkton. 

Captain  Perry,  the  hero  of  Lake  Erie,  has  justly 
|  acquired  that  title  by  the  gallant  and  skilful  manner 
1  in  which  he  captured  the  whole  of  the  British  fleet 
!  on  that  lake,  on  10th  September,  1813    The  British 
squadron  was  commanded  by  captain  Barclay,  and 
|  its  force  of  metal  amounted  to  63  guns,  while  that  of 
Perry's  was  only  54.    The  action  continued  3  hours 
I  and  30  minutes.    The  British  had  41  killed  and  94 
!  wounded,  and  the  Americans  27  killed  and  96  wound- 
;  ed.    Perry  is  exhibited  in  this  picture  at  a  very  in- 
j|  teresting  period  of  the  action.    He  is  standing  up- 
right in  the  boat  which  conveyed  him  to  the  Niagara, 
after  his  own  vessel,  the  Lawrence,  had  been  dis- 
abled,  and  the  greater  part  of  his  crew  killed  or 
I  wounded.    The  sailor  in  the  stern  of  the  boat,  pul- 
|  ling  him  down  as  he  was  too  much  exposed  to  the 
j|  enemy's  shot,  is  a  correct  likeness  from  Mr.  Jarvis  the 
I  painter. 

Captain  Macdonough  has  acquired  equal  celebrity 
I  with  Perry,  by  his  engagement  on  Lake  Champlain, 


58 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


11th  Sept.  1814,  with  the  British  fleet  commanded 
by  Commodore  Downie.  The  American  fleet  was 
at  anchor  in  a  bay  when  the  enemy  made  the  attack. 
The  British  vessels  carried  88  guns.  Those  under 
Macdonough  95  guns.  On  each  side  there  were  13 
row  gallies,  those  of  Downie  carrying  18,  and  those 
of  Macdonough  16  guns.  The  conflict  continued  for 
2  hours,  at  the  termination  of  which  the  whole  of  the 
British,  except  the  row  boats,  remained  trophies  of 
victory  in  the  hands  of  the  Americans. 

Court  of  Sessions.  This  is  a  spacious  apartment, 
measuring  70  feet  by  42.  It  is  situated  in  the  north 
west  end  of  the  building,  and  is  neatly  and  conve- 
niently fitted  up  for  the  accommodation  of  the  judges, 
the  officers  of  court,  and  for  the  public,  who  have 
access  at  all  times  during  the  sittings.  In  this  room 
are  held  the  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace,  and  the 
Sessions  of  the  State  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer. 
These  being  courts  of  criminal  jurisdiction,  they  ex- 
cite much  interest  and  draw  a  large  concourse  of 
auditors.  The  largest  room  in  the  Hall  is,  therefore, 
appropriated  to  their  use. 

The  Court  of  Sessions  sits  on  the  first  Monday  of 
every  month.  This  court  consists  of  the  Mayor, 
Recorder,  and  Aldermen,  one  of  the  two  first  being 
always  present.  It  determines  in  all  cases  of  felony, 
and  of  offences  committed  within  the  city,  and  has 
power  to  appoint  special  sessions  of  the  peace  for  the 
same  purposes,  but  these  are  never  resorted  to.  The 
judges  composing  the  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer, 
consist  of  the  Mayor,  Recorder,  and  Aldermen,  as- 
sisted by  one  or  more  of  the  judges  of  the  Supreme 
Court,  who  are  authorised  to  meet  by  a  special  act. 
of  the  Legislature,  without  any  commission.  Three 
members  constitute  a  court,  of  whom  a  judge  of  the 
Supreme  Court  must  be  one.  This  court  tries  all 
cases  of  treason,  felony,  and  other  inferior  crimes. 
Its  periods  of  meeting  are  fixed  by  the  Supreme 
Court.  Courts  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  were  first  es- 
tablished here  in  1683. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  59 

Supreme  Court  The  room  belonging  to  this  court 
s  also  very  neat  and  convenient.  It  measures  42 
feet  by  30.  This  court  consists  of  a  Chief  Justice, 
ind  4  Puisne  Judges,  appointed  for  the  trial  of  civil 
causes,  and  determining  questions  of  law  arising  out 

the  facts.  The  regular  terms  are  four:  On  the 
first  Monday  of  February  and  August,  they  hold  two 
terms  in  Albany ;  and  the  other  two  they  hold  in  the 
city  of  New- York,  on  the  first  Monday  of  May,  and 
the  second  Monday  of  November.  Each  of  these 
terms  continue  about  a  fortnight.  There  are  also 
Circuit  Courts  and  Sittings  appointed  for  the  City, 
and  Circuit  Courts  for  the  Counties  held  during  the 
Vacation,  at  which  one  of  the  judges  presides  to  try 
issues  before  a  jury.  The  decisions  of  the  Sittings 
and  Circuits  are  subject  to  the  Review  of  the  Su- 
preme Court,  whose  judgments  may  be  reviewed  by 
the  Court  of  Errors*.  The  salary  of  each  of  the 
judges  is  $5000  per  annum.  This  court  was  first  es- 
tablished in  the  year  1691. 

Court  of  Chancery.  The  apartment  appropriated 
to  this  Court,  adjoins  the  Clerk  of  Sessions  room. 
The  Chancellor  alone  presides,  and  appeals  lie  from 
his  decisions  to  the  Court  of  Errors.  He  holds  a 
court  twice  every  year  in  the  city  of  Albany,  or  in 
such  other  place  as  to  him  may  seem  meet ;  and 
twice  a  year,  at  least,  in  the  city  of  New- York.  The 
periods  for  holding  these  courts  are  entirely  at  the 
discretion  of  the  Chancellor.  Salary  §5000  per  an- 
inum.  The  Court  of  Chancery  was  first  organized 
in  March  1778t. 

•  The  Court  for  the trial  of  lmptaohments  and  the  Correction 
pf  Errors  is  the  court  of  the  last  resort  and  holds  its  sitt  nss  in 
ji  Albany,  the  se»t  of  government.  It  consists  of  the  president  of 
|  .he  Senate  for  the  time  being  and  Senators,  the  Chancellor  and 
|  fudges  of  the  Supreme  Court,  or  the  majority  of  them. 
;|  t  On  the  1st  Nov.  1683,  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Colony 
passed  a  temporary  act  entitled  11  an  act  to  settle  courts  of  justice,'' 
I  ad  thereby  enacted  *  that  there  shall  be  a  Court  of  Chancery 


60 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


Mayor**  Court,  This  room  measures  42  feet  by 
40.  It  is  a  plain  neat  apartment,  filled  up  with  bench- 
es for  the  accommodation  of  practitioners,  and  the 
puhlic. 

The  Mayor,  Recorder,  and  Aldermen,  constitute 
this  Court,  though  the  Mayor  and  Recorder  may 
meet  without  the  Aldermen.  It  judges  in  all  cases, 
within  its  jurisdiction,  whether  real  or  personal,  and 
holds  its  sitting's  on  the  third  Monday  of  every  month. 
Actions  for  debt  exceeding"  $250  may  be  removed 
from  it  at  any  time  before  judgment;  and,  after 
judgment  all  its  decisions,  without  exception,  may 
be  reviewed  by  the  Supreme  Court.  The  Charter 
of  this  court  is  dated  April  22d,  1686.  It  is  suppos- 
ed to  resemble  the  Court  of  King's  Bench  in  England, 
in  its  form  of  proceedings.  As  a  Court  of  Justice,  the 
Mayor's  Court  stands  very  high  in  public  estimation. 


within  tt.e  province,  which  said  curt  shall  have  power  to  hear 
and  determine  all  matters  of  equity,  uud  shall  be  esteemed  and 
accounted  the  supreme  Court  of  this  .  olony  "  It  was  also  th  re- 
by  enacted,  "  that  a  Chancellor  he  appointed,  to  bold  and  keep 
the  said  •  ourt ,  asds  ed  with  such  persons,  as  by  the  Governor  and 
his  council  shall  be  thought  meet  and  convenient"  The  govern- 
or and  council  returned  the  bill  with  an  amendment,  declaring  the 
Governor  and  council  to  be  the  Court  of  Chancery,"  with  power 
to  the  governor  1  jo  deputt  in  .his  stead  a  Chancellor^  &c  "  On  2d 
Sept  1701,  the  Governor  issued  an  ordinance  establishing  a  Cowl 
of  Chancery,  and  declaring  him-elf  ex  cjjicio,  hancellor,  &c— On 
the  6th  Nov  1735,  the  general  assembly  resolved  That  a  Court 
of  Chancery  in  this  province,  in  the  bands,  or  under  the  exercise 
of  a  governor,  without  <  onsent  in  general  assembly,  is  contrary 
to  law,  unwarrantable,  and  of  dangerous  consequence  to  the  lirer* 
ties  and  properties  of  the  people  "  Several  struggles  were  ma  ie 
by  the  colonial  a-sembly  to  destroy  this  court,  without  effect. 
Until  the  revolution,  it  was  in  the  hands  of  the  Governors  of  the 
colony,  when,  by  the  Constitution  of  the  state,  it  was  recognized 
as  a  court,  and  a  chancellor  directed  to  be  appointed.  Revised 
Lan'S  of  FewYorlr 


TO  THE  CITY  OP  NEW-YORK.  6! 

District  Court  of  the  United  States,  The  room  in 
which  this  court  meets  is  42  feet  by  34.  It  is  a  con- 
venient, unornamented  apartment,  fitted  up  with 
benches.  The  jurisdiction  of  this  court,  which  con- 
sists only  of  one  judge,  extends  exclusively  to  all 
admiralty,  maritime,  and  revenue  cases.  In  crimi- 
nal maritime  cases,  where  the  punishment  to  be  in- 
flicted is  whipping*  not  exceeding  30  stripes,  a  fine 
not  exceeding  100  dollars,  or  imprisonment,  not  ex- 
tending beyond  6  months,  it  has  jurisdiction  exclusive 
of  all  other  courts.  Where  an  alien  sues  for  redress 
in  a  case  of  violation  of  the  laws,  the  matter  in  dis- 
pute not  exceeding  the  value  of  1 00  dollars ;  and  in 
all  actions  against  Consuls  and  Vice-Consuls,  it  has 
a  jurisdiction  similar  to  these  courts. 

Circuit  Court  of  the  United  States — holds  its  sittings 
in  the  apartment  appropriated  to  the  District  Court. 
This  court  consists  of  one  of  the  judges  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  the  United  States,  and  the  judge  of  the  District 
Court.  Its  jurisdiction  extends  not  only  to  allcivil  cases, 
in  which  the  United  States  are  plaintiffs,  where  the 
matter  in  dispute  exceeds  500  dollars,  but  also  where 
an  alien  is  a  party,  or  where  the  plaintiff  and  defen- 
dant are  citizens  of  different  states.  Except  where 
otherwise  provided,  it  has  also  an  exclusive  jurisdic- 
tion as  to  crimes  and  offences,  and  a  concurrent  juris- 
diction in  these  matters  with  the  District  Court. 

The  Surrogate's  Office — is  a  small,  though  neat 
apartment  on  the  first  story.  The  duties  and  busi- 
ness of  this  office  are  multifarious,  in  all  testamentary 
and  intestate  estates.  This  officer  has,  by  a  recent 
law  of  the  state,  concurrent  power  to  appoint  guar- 
dians to  the  persons  and  estates  of  infant  children ; 
and,  in  certain  cases  to  order  the  sale  of  real  estate, 
where  the  personal  property  is  insufficient  to  pay  the 
debts  of  the  deceased.  He  has  also  power  to  cite 
executors  and  administrators  to  render  inventories, 
to  account  for  the  assets  received  bv  them,  to  enforce 
F 


b>  THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 

the  payment  of  legacies,  and  the  distribution  of  intes- 
tate estates,  and  a  variety  of  other  statutary  and  civil 
law  powers.  An  appeal  lies  from  his  decision,  in  all 
cases,  either  to  the  Court  of  Chancery,  or  Court  of 
Probates*,  provided  it  is  made  in  the  time  prescribed 
by  law. 

Previous  to  the  year  1787  the  Court  of  Probates 
had  the  supervision  and  approving-  of  all  the  official 
acts  of  Surrogates  in  the  different  counties  of  the 
state.  There  were  deputies  (Suhrogatus)  of  the  pre- 
rogative court ;  and  afterwards,  under  the  Constitu- 
tion, of  the  Court  of  Probates.  The  increase  of  popula- 
tion, and  the  necessity  of  having  offices  in  each  county, 
cause  the  officers  of  surrogates  to  be  instituted  in 
each  county,  with  exclusive  powers  to  prove  wills,  and 
grant  letters  of  administration  on  the  estates  of  per- 
sons having  a  domicii  or  residence  there,  although 
dying  out  of  the  county,  &c. 

This  office  contains  the  books  of  Records  of  Wills 
from  the  years  1662  to  1787  of  the  whole  state;  and 
the  original  wills  of  the  southern  district  to  the  last 
period,  as  it  then  was  constituted.  All  wills  after 
the  institution  of  this  office,  are  also  recorded  here ; 
as  are  orders  for  the  sale  of  real  estates ;  letters  of 
administration,  of  guardianship,  and  every  proceeding 
had  in  relation  to  them,  and  other  judicial  decisions 
over  which  the  law  has  given  power  to  this  officer. 

There  is  a  Public  Administrator  appointed  by  the 
Corporation  of  the  city,  under  a  law  authorising  such 
an  appointment;  in  virtue  of  which,  and  by  the  pro- 
visions of  the  law,  he  takes  possession  of  the  personal 
estate  and  effects  of  persons  dying  intestate,  having 
no  relatives,  and  where  there  is  evidence  or  danger 
that  the  same  may  be  wasted  or  embezzled.  He 
gives  30  days  notice  to  the  widow  or  next  of  kin  to 
the  deceased,  after  which,  if  they  do  not  apply  to  the 
Surrogate  to  administer,  this  devolves  upon  himself. 


•  The  Court  of  Probates  holds  its  sittinjs  at  Albany 


TO  THE  CITY  OP  NEW-YORK.  63 

This  act  directs  the  Public  Administrator  to  exhibit 
his  accounts  annually  to  the  Common  Council,  who 
are  to  publish  them  in  the  newspapers  for  the  infor- 
mation of  all  concerned.  A  commission  of  b  per 
cent,  to  be  retained  by  the  administrator  on  all  sums 
administered  by  him  till  they  amount  to  2500  dollars  ; 
when  they  exceed  that  sum,  he  is  allowed  only  2J 
percent,  on  the  surplus.  This  is  over  and  above  the 
reasonable  expenses  attending*  the  administration. 

Register  for  the  City  and  County.  Formerly  the 
business  of  this  department  was  transacted  by  the 
Clerk  of  the  city.  This  having1  been  found  incon- 
venient, the  Legislature,  on  9th  April,  1813,  autho- 
rised the  appointment  of  a  person  to  be  called  "  The 
Register  in  and  for  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York."  His  duty  is  to  place  upon  record,  all  mort- 
gages, deeds,  conveyances,  and  other  writings,  which 
by  law  are  directed  to  be  registered  or  recorded.  A 
note  of  all  incumbrances  on  real  estate,  must  be  de- 
livered to  the  Register  to  be  entered  in  his  books, 
and  when  the  incumbrance  is  cleared,  the  evidence 
thereof  must  be  exhibited  to  the  Register,  who  enters 
a  minute  to  that  effect  in  the  registry  books.  The 
register's  fee  on  both  occasions  is  25  cents.  Free- 
access  is  given  at  all  times  to  inspect  the  books ;  and 
where  a  search  is  required  to  be  made  by  the  regis- 
ter, he  is  entitled  to  charge  for  this  service  as  pro- 
vided by  law. 

Marine  or  Justices  Court.  The  apartments  in  the 
basement  story  allotted  to  this  Court  are  convenient 
and  suitable  to  all  its  purposes.  It  consists  of  three 
judges  or  justices,  who  are  appointed  by  the  Coun- 
cil of  State,  two  of  which  must  always  preside.  They 
meet  every  lawful  day  at  10  o'clock,  and  are  empow- 
ered to  try  actions  for  debt  to  the  amount  of  $1 00  ;  to 
determine  as  to  seamen's  wages  to  any  amount,  and 
in  actions  of  assault,  battery  and  false  imprisonment 
among  seamen  and  passengers.    It  is  distinct  from 


64 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


all  other  Courts  of  justices;  has  no  power  to  hold  ses- 
sions of  the  peace,  but  as  to  keeping-  the  peace,  it 
has  the  same  power  as  other  magistrates. 

Besides  the  Marine  Court,  there  is  a  Justice  Court 
held  in  every  ward,  in  which  one  person  presides 
who  is  called  an  Assistant  justice.  He  tries  questions 
of  debt  and  trespass  to  the  amount  of  $25  ;  also  de- 
termines cases  where  penalties  are  sued  for  under 
the  act  for  levying*  duties  "  on  strong  liquors  and 
for  regulating  Inns  and  Taverns;"  and  generally 
ell  actions  competent  to  all  other  justices  in  the  State, 
wher?  the  amount  does  not  exceed  twenty-five  dollars. 

The  justices  in  these  Courts  are  remunerated  out 
of  fees,  prescribed  by  law,  on  the  proceedings  in 
their  respective  courts,  of  which  tables  are  printed. 

Police  Department  The  duties  of  the  police  are 
discharged  by  three  Justices,  appointed  for  the  pur- 
pose by  the  Council  of  Appointment,  and  removeable 
at  pleasure.  The  chancellor,  justices  of  the  supreme 
court,  and  members  of  the  common  council,  as  con- 
servators of  the  peace,  may  attend  and  assist  the  po- 
lice justices.  A  court  is  held  every  day,  except 
Sunday ;  at  which  one  at  least  of  the  justices,  and 
the  Police  Clerk,  must  be  in  constant  attendance  at 
sunrise  every  morning  to  take  cognizance  of  offen- 
ces committed  against  the  good  order  and  peace  of 
the  city. — Besides  the  ordinary  duties  of  examining 
persons  brought  up  for  breaches  of  the  peace  and 
other  offences,  and  binding  over  the  parties  to  prose- 
cute at  the  sessions,  where  this  appears  necessary, 
the  police  magistrates  possess  powers  in  certain 
cases*  similar  to  those  exercised  by  the  aldermen  of 
the  citv  out  of  the  sessions.  For  these  services, 
they  receive  the  same  fees  as  the  Aldermen ;  and 

*  These  relate  to  bast;irds,  apprentices,  servants,  vagrant-  and 
vagabonds.  The  acceptance  of  special  bail ;  the  administering 
of  oaths  in  causes  before  the  <  ourt  of  common  pleat,  and  the  tak- 
ing of  affidavits  to  be  read  there,  come  also  within  the  powers  eF 

the  magistrates  of  police. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  65 

for  discharging  the  other  duties  of  their  office,  they 
and  their  clerk  are  paid  an  annual  salary  of  seven 
hundred  and  fifty-dollars  each,  which  comes  out  of 
the  funds  of  the  city ;  besides  fees  of  office.  Recog- 
nizances taken  in  other  counties  for  the  appearance 
of  parties  or  witnesses  in  the  city  courts;  copies  of 
those  taken  to  keep  the  peace,  before  any  other 
court  in  the  city ;  and  those  from  persons  licenced 
to  retail  spirituous  liquors,  are  all  lodged  in  the  po- 
lice office,  under  the  custody  of  the  Clerk. 

City  Watch,  This  department  is  under  the  im- 
mediate direction  of  the  Corporation,  who  appoint,  in 
the  first  instance,  six  householders*,  being  citizens  of 
the  state,  to  act  as  "  Captains  of  the  Night  Watch," 
and  to  have  command  over  the  other  watchmen.  It 
is  the  duty  of  the  Captains,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Watch  Committee,  to  fix  the  rounds  of  the  watch- 
men, prescribe  their  duties,  and  visit  their  stations. 
When  a  watchman  is  guilty  of  misconduct,  the  cap- 
tain of  the  district  may  suspend  him  till  the  pleasure 
of  the  Common  Council  is  known.  He  must  make 
a  return,  early  in  the  morning,  to  the  Justices  of  the 
Police,  of  the  number  and  names  of  watchmen  at- 
tending the  preceding  night,  and  the  defaulters,  if 
any.  Each  captain  receives  1  dollar  87£  cents  for 
every  night's  service  in  that  capacity. 

Watchmen  are  also  appointed  from  among  the 
citizens  and  householders,  to  perform  the  duties  as- 
signed them  by  the  captains.  They  are  divided  into 
companies,  and  to  each  company  is  added  12  persons, 
denominated  substitutes,  to  act  in  case  of  the  absence 
of  the  regular  watchmen.  If  found  sleeping,  or  un- 
necessarily absent,  or  intoxicated  while  on  duty,  or 
guilty  of  disorderly  behaviour,  the  watchmen  are  dis- 
missed. Their  duty  is  to  receive  offenders  into  cus- 
tody, and  to  detain  them  until  discharged.  Their 
Salary  is  874  cents  for  every  night's  service. 

Besides  the  particular  duties  allotted  to  them  in 
F  2 


66 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


their  own  district,  the  captains  and  watcnmen,  in  case 
of  a  riot,  disorder,  or  other  needful  occasion,  must 
assist  those  in  the  other  districts.  Captains  or  watch- 
men who  do  not  obey  the  orders  of  the  members  of 
the  corporation,  or  of  the  justices  of  the  police,  are 
removed  from  office, 


NEW-YORK  HOSPITAL. 

This  institution  comprises  the  Hospital  for  the  re- 
ception of  the  sick  and  disabled,  ike  Lunatic  Asylum, 
and  the  Lying-in-Hospital. 

The  area  upon  which  the  hospital  is  built,  measures 
455  feet  long  and  450  broad.  It  is  bounded  by- 
Broadway  in  front;  Church-street  in  the  rear;  An- 
thony-street on  the  north ;  and  Duane-street  on  the 
south.  The  ground  is  enclosed  with  a  brick  wall ; 
the  scite  of  the  building  is  considerably  elevated 
above  the  level  of  the  neighbouring  streets,  and  about 
600  yards  distant  from  Hudson  river. 

The  Hospital.  This  building  is  of  gray  stone,  with 
a  slated  roof.  In  front  it  is  124  feet  long ;  its  depth  is 
50  feet  in  the  center,  and  at  the  wings,  which  project 
on  each  side,  86  feet.  Besides  the  basement,  it 
rises  3  stories,  and  measures  52  feet  in  height.  From 
the  center  there  rises  a  handsome  copula,  which 
commands  an  extensive  and  uninterrupted  view  of 
the  country  round.  The  principal  story  is  nearly  14 
feet  high,  and  contains  a  room  for  the  governors, 
used  also  as  a  library ;  a  parlour  and  bed.  room  for 
the  superintendant  and  matron ;  an  apothecary's 
shop ;  and  a  room  for  the  clerk.  In  the  center  there 
is  a  hall  and  staircase.  On  the  second  and  third 
floors  in  the  center,  there  are  apartments  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  house  physician  and  surgeon^ 
and  other  officers  connected  with  the  establishment* 
On  the  westerly  side  of  the  second  story  is  the  Lying- 
in-ward;  on  the  third  story,  towards  the  north-west  , 
is  the  theatre  for  surgical  operations,  which  will  ac- 


TO  THE  CITY  OE  NEW-YORK.  #7 

commodate  200  persons.  In  each  story  of  the  wings 
are  2  wards,  36  feet  by  24,  opening-  into  passages 
extending  the  whole  length  of  the  building,  and  com- 
municating by  a  staircase.  There  are  16  wards  for 
the  sick,  36  feet  by  24,  which  will  accommodate  300 
patients.  The  basement  story  contains  2  kitchens, 
a  laundry,  bathing  room,  3  store  rooms,  and  2  wards 
for  patients,  whose  disease  requires  they  should  be 
kept  separate  from  the  others.  The  whole  number 
of  apartments  is  39,  exclusive  of  the  lying-in  ward, 
and  the  surgical  theatre.  Outside,  and  within  the 
walls,  there  is  a  large  wash  house,  bathing  house, 
ice-house,  stables,  and  a  kitchen  garden,  besides 
ground  laid  out  in  walks,  and  planted  with  fruit  trees, 
for  the  benefit  of  convalescents. 

No  spot  on  the  whole  island  could  be  better  chosen 
on  which  to  build  a  hospital  than  that  on  which  the 
present  stands.  It  is  one  of  the  most  open  and 
healthy  places  in  the  city,  and  although  there  are  a 
number  of  lofty  houses  in  its  neighbourhood,  the  ele- 
vation of  the  building  secures  to  the  sick  all  the  ad- 
vantages of  a  free  circulation  of  air.  The  view  from 
the  top  embraces  the  whole  of  the  city,  the  Hudson 
and  East  rivers,  the  harbour  and  shipping,  the  bay 
with  its  different  islands  and  fortifications,  Nassau  or 
Long  Island,  the  Narrows,  the  beautiful  and  romantic 
shores  of  Jersey,  and  the  numerous  and  delightful 
cottages,  which  of  late  years  have  arisen  on  the 
northern  part  of  the  city.  Wherever  the  eye  can 
reach,  the  prospect  excites  feelings  of  pleasure  and 
admiration. 

New-York  Hospital  was  originally  established,  by 
private  subscription,  in  the  year  1769,  and  incorpo- 
rated by  charter  from  Governor  Dunmore,  on  13th 
July,  1776.  This  charter  was  confirmed  by  an  act 
of  the  legislature,  dated  9th  March,  1810.  In  1775, 
the  hospital  was  burnt  down  by  accident,  and  before 
another  could  be  completed,  the  war  broke  out,  dur- 
ing which  the  British  converted  the  unfinished  apart- 


68  THS  STRANGER^  GUIDE 

mcnts  into  barracks.  In  1791  it  was  re-opened  as 
an  hospital  for  the  sick  and  disabled,  and  afterwards 
extended  to  infirm  and  friendless  seamen.  The  mo- 
ney arising  from  private  subscriptions  having-  been 
found  inadequate  to  pay  the  expense  of  this  rising1 
establishment,  the  legislature  was  induced,  at  various 
periods,  to  confer  grants  upon  it  of  the  public  money. 
These  were  increased  from  time  to  time,  until  14th 
March,  1806,  when  an  act  was  passed  authorising 
12,500  dollars  per  annum,  to  be  paid  to  the  institu- 
tion, out  of  the  duties  on  public  auctions,  till  the 
year  1857.  The  funds  of  the  hospital  derive  also 
some  trifling  aid  from  the  collector  of  the  port,  who 
allows  a  proportion  of  the  public  tax  on  seamen's 
wages,  to  defray  the  sustenance  and  medical  expense 
of  a  limited  number  of  that  class  of  patients.  Mem- 
bers of  the  incorporation  pay  on  their  admission  40 
dollars  each.  These  sums,  however,  are  far  from 
enabling  the  governors  to  keep  up  this  establishment 
in  the  respectable  way  it  ought.  By  their  report  of 
last  year,  it  appears  that  the  ordinary  expenditure, 
including  the  lunatic  asylum  and  lying-in  hospital, 
amounted  to  39,053  dollars  92  cents,  while  the  re- 
ceipt was  only  37,611  dollars  50  cents;  leaving  a  ba- 
lance of  1442  dollars  42  cents.  At  the  end  of  1815, 
the  debt  was  5278  dollars  34  cents ;  which  makes  a 
total  debt  against  the  hospital,  on  31st  December, 
1816,  of  6720  dollars  76  cents. 

By  the  report  of  1816,  it  appears  that  on  31st  De- 
cember, 1815,  there  were  193  patients  in  the  hospital, 
including  the  lying-in  paupers.  In  1816  there  were 
admitted  1656;  of  which,  1159  were  cured;  65  re- 
lieved ;  224  requested  to  be  discharged ;  25  were 
improper  objects  ;  58  disorderly  and  eloped ;  and  163 
died  ;  leaving,  on  31st  December,  1816,  202  patients. 

The  management  of  the  affairs  of  the  hospital  is  in 
the  hands  of  26  Governors,  who  are  elected  on  the 
third  Tuesday  of  May  annually.  They  appoint  one 
of  their  number  President;  and  who,  with  6  othei'9. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YOP*K,  69 

forms  a  quorum.  There  is  also  a  Vice-President,  Trea- 
surer, aud  Secretary.  They  meet  on  the  first  Tues- 
day of  every  month,  and  their  services  are  gratuitous. 
At  the  monthly  meeting  in  June  they  appoint  a  super- 
intendant,  a  steward,  an  apothecary,  a  matron,  and 
clerk.  When  necessary,  the  governors  appoint  phy- 
sicians and  surgeons  for  the  hospital ;  and  there  is  a 
visiting  committee  of  3  governors,  who  continue  3 
months ;  an  inspecting  committee  of  2  governors,  who 
serve  two  months,  and  an  annual  committee  of  go- 
vernors for  auditing  accounts,  an  abstract  of  which  is 
laid  every  year  before  the  legislature,  with  a  report. 

The  visiting  committee  attend  the  Hospital  every 
Tuesday  and  Friday  at  11  o'clock,  A.  M.  for  the  pur- 
pose of  admitting  patients.  They  have  also  a  general 
care  and  charge  of  the  Hospital,  hear  complaints,  and 
give  directions  to  the  officers  and  servants. 

The  inspecting  committee  visit  the  Hospital  once  a 
week,  to  ascertain  whether  the  house  is  managed 
with  economy,  and  the  sick  properly  attended  to. 

There  are  4  physicians  and  4  surgeons  who  visit 
the  Hospital.  They  are  the  most  eminent  of  the  pro- 
fession, and  perform  this  duty  gratuitously.  One 
physician  visits  every  medical  patient  afflicted  with 
any  acute  disease  once  a  day,  at  least ;  every  medi- 
cal patient,  without  distinction,  is  visited  three  times 
a  week.  One  surgeon  goes  through  the  Hospital 
three  times  a  week,  and  visits  every  surgical  patient 
once  a  week. 

The  house  physician  and  house  surgeon  are  general- 
ly young  men  about  21  years  of  age,  who  have  been 
pupils  three  years  of  a  practising  physician,  or  sur- 
geon, and  attended  a  regular  course  of  lectures  dur- 
ing that  period,  besides  the  practice  of  the  hospital  for 
one  year.  They  reside  constantly  in  the  house,  visit 
the  wards  morning  and  evening,  and  report  the  state 
of  the  patients  to  the  attending  physician  and  sur- 
geon. 

The  apothecary  also  resides  in  the  hospital.  He 


TJIE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


undergoes  a  previous  examination,  and  has  the  charge 
of  preparing  the  medicines.  He  receives  a  salary  of 
350  dollars  per  annum.  His  assistant  is  called  the 
orderly  man,  and  is  allowed  60  dollars  per  annum. 

The  clerk  receives  an  annual  salary  of  800  dollars. 
His  duty  is  to  enter  the  minutes,  reports,  &c.  into  the 
journal  of  the  institution,  under  the  direction  of  the 
.secretary  ;  to  keep  the  books  of  accounts;  to  collect 
the  monies;  and  to  furnish  the  Secretary  every  three 
months,  with  the  names  of  such  seamen  as  die  in  the 
hospital,  for  publication. 

The  superintendant  and  the  matron  have  the  charge 
of  the  domestic  management  and  economy  of  the  in- 
stitution. The  former  receives  a  salary  of  1 ,000  dol- 
lars per  annum.  The  salaries  of  the  matrons, 
nurses,  and  servants,  amount  to  about  4,00(1  dollars 
yearly. 

Here  is  an  excellent  library  of  books  belonging  to 
the  hospital,  under  the  charge  of  the  house  physician. 
It  was  established  in  August,  1796,  in  consequence 
of  the  recommendation  of  the  medical  faculty  of  Co- 
lumbia College,  the  members  of  which  contributed 
books  out  of  their  private  libraries,  and  part  of  their 
fees  of  public  instruction.  Five  hundred  dollars  were 
at  first  appropriated  to  buy  books  out  of  the  funds  of 
the  institution.  In  the  year  1800  the  library  of 
Dr.  Romayne  was  purchased;  and  in  1805  the  num- 
ber of  books  was  increased  by  the  donation  of  a  libra- 
ry belonging  to  a  private  association  of  physicians. 
In  1 805  the  Governors  appropriated  250  dollars  annu- 
ally out  of  the  funds  of  the  establishment,  to  the  pur- 
chase of  books.  Since  then  the  botanical  library  of 
Dr.  Hosack  has  been  purchased,  by  which  the  num- 
ber of  books  is  now  increased  to  about  3,000  volumes, 
among  which  are  some  of  the  rarest  and  most  valua- 
ble works  in  medical  science. 

Clinical  lectures  were  introduced  at  an  early  pe- 
riod of  this  establishment,  by  Dr.  Bard  of  Columbia 
College;  and  since  the  institution  of  a  college  of 
physicians  and  surgeons  in  this  city,  the  professors  of 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  71 

both  colleges,  being"  physicians  of  the  hospital,  use 
the  surgical  theatre  for  that  purpose.  It  is  stated  in 
the  last  report  of  the  governors,  that  about  130  stu- 
dents attend  the  clinical  lectures,  both  medical  and 
surgical.  These  have  access  to  the  hospital  library 
on  conforming  to  the  by-laws  enacted  respecting  it. 

Lunatic  Asylum.  Until  within  these  few  years, 
those  wretched  victims  of  the  most  deplorable  cala- 
mity to  which  human  nature  is  incident,  had  no  re- 
fuge but  what  was  given  them  by  persons  who,  in 
most  cases,  considered  them  a  burthen,  of  which  they 
were  anxious  to  be  relieved.  When  the  violence  of 
the  disorder  rendered  all  ordinary  restraints  unavail- 
ing, and  carried  them  from  their  homes,  no  asylum 
was  found  in  this  state  to  shelter  them  from  the  pity- 
less  storm.  These  poor  helpless  unfortunates  were 
liable  to  be  seized  as  disorderly  persons,  by  a  warrant 
of  two  justices  of  the  peace,  chained  and  locked  up 
until  an  opportunity  offered,  not  of  inquiring  after 
their  friends,  or  of  providing  for  them  agreeably  to 
the  dictates  of  humanity,  but  until  their  "  last  legal 
place  of  settlement,"  was  ascertained;  to  which  they 
were  immediately  transferred,  and  "  the  charges  of 
apprehending,  maintaining,  keeping,  and  removing," 
exacted  to  the  uttermost  farthing,  and,  with  all  due 
brnis  of  law,  from  "  the  overseers  of  the  poor  of  the 
;ity  or  town  in  which  such  person  shall  be  legally  set- 
Jed  as  aforesaid."*  It  remained  for  the  governors  of  the 
Vew-York  Hospital  to  vindicate  human  nature  from 
he  stigma  such  cold  blooded  regulations  brought  upon 
t.  Apartments  were  at  first  assigned  in  the  hospital 
or  the  reception  and  cure  of  lunatics,  but  as  the 
wilding  was  not  originally  designed  for  patients  of 
hat  description,  the  governors  erected  an  edifice  on 
he  ground  belonging  to  the  hospital,  which  was  open- 
sd  as  a  lunatic  asylum  on  15th  July,  1808.  This 


•  This  is  a  remnant  of  the  benevolent  laws  introduced  into  this 
louajtrj  by  the  Ijst  paternal  government. 


72 


T ITE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


building  cost  5G,000  dollars,  to  assist  in  paying1  which 
the  legislature  granted  3500  dollars  per  annum  for 

10  years  out  of  the  duties  on  public  auctions. 

The  asylum  enjoys  all  the  advantages  of  the 
healthy  and  beautiful  situation  of  the  Hospital.  The 
building-  is  also  of  gray  stone  and  the  roof  slated.  It 
stands  on  the  south  side  of  the  ground,  and  altogether 
separate  from  the  other  buildings.  In  length  it  mea- 
sures 90  feet;  depth,  at  the  centre,  40  feet,  and  at 
the  wings,  which  project  124  feet  on  each  side,  it  is 
65  feet  deep.  The  height,  from  the  ground  in  front, 
is  46  feet.  It  has  two  principal  stories,  and  a  base- 
ment and  subbasement  on  account  of  the  declivity 
of  the  ground.  There  are  10  rooms,  11  feet  by  8i; 
2  rooms,  17  by  114  ;  and  2  rooms,  24  by  17,  open- 
ing into  a  hall  11  feet  wide,  in  each  of  the  two  prin- 
cipal stories.  The  height  of  the  first  is  144  and  of 
the  upper  124  feet.    The  subbasement  has  10  rooms, 

11  by  84  feet,  and  9  feet  high;  3  rooms  164  by  114; 
and  a  kitchen  23J  by  164-  A  hall  runs  through  the 
centre  into  which  the  rooms  open.  It  is  paved  with 
marble  and  has  7  circular  iron  stoves,  so  construct- 
ed as  to  convey  heat  into  every  apartment  to  the  top 
of  the  building.  Except  the  4  largest  rooms,  and 
those  in  the  upper  story,  the  apartments  are  arched 
with  brick ;  and  the  walls  are  brick  whitewashed. 
The  number  and  size  of  rooms  is  the  same  in  the 
basement  as  in  the  subbasement.  The  whole  amount 
to  60,  and  will  contain  about  80  patients.  The  rich  and 
the  poor  are  here  accommodated  according  to  their 
circumstances.  There  are  two  yards  inclosed,  one 
for  males  and  another  for  females ;  the  one  is  200 
feet  by  50 ;  the  other  75  by  65.  Such  lunatics  as 
can  be  trusted  are  permitted  to  walk  in  these. 

At  the  end  of  the  year  1815,  there  were  74  pa- 
tients in  the  asylum.  During  1816,  there  were  49 
additional  admitted.  Of  these  14  were  cured;  10 
relieved ;  1 5  discharged  at  their  own  request ;  two 
were  improper  objects ;  1  eloped ;  and  5  died ;  leav- 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  73 

inga  total  undischarged,  at  the  end  of  the  year  1816, 
of  76.  It  is  stated  in  the  last  report,  that  "  of  the 
number  admitted  during  the  year  1816,  the  insanity 
of  4  was  caused  by  the  intemperate  use  of  ardent 
spirits."  None  but  paypatients  are  admitted.  Luna- 
tics are  received  from  the  city  alms  house,  but 
the  sum  allowed  for  these  scarcely  pays  their  subsist- 
ance,  exclusive  of  medicine,  clothing,  and  other 
expenses.  The  lunatic  poor  of  any  city  or  town  in 
the  state  are  also  received,  and  paid  for  by  the  over- 
seers of  their  poor.  From  the  great  increase,  of  late, 
of  persons  in  this  unfortunate  situation,  the  govern- 
ors of  the  hospital  found  it  necessary  to  apply  to  the 
legislature  for  pecuniary  assistance,  to  enable  them 
to  erect  another  building  on  a  piece  of  ground  which 
they  had  previously  purchased.  Ever  alive  to  ap- 
plications of  a  benevolent  nature,  an  act  was  passed 
by  the  legislature  on  17th  April,  1816,  by  which  the 
sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars  per  annum  is  appropriat- 
ed to  that  purpose,  out  of  the  duties  on  sales  by  auc- 
tion for  40  years  at  least.  The  purchase  money  for 
the  ground,  extending  to  about  40  acres,  and  the 
materials  and  labour  preparatory  to  its  erection, 
amounted,  on  31st  December  1816,  to  12,987  dollars 
67  cents. — It  is  a  healthy,  elevated,  and  retired  spot, 
between  i\lanhattanville  and  Haerlem. 

The  lunatic  asylum  is  under  the  immediate  man- 
agement of  three  of  the  governors  belonging  to  the 
hospital,  who  admit  and  discharge  all  patients.  One 
physician  has  the  sole  charge  of  their  medical  treat- 
Jment.  He  is  required  to  visit  the  asylum  thrice  a 
|week,  and  oftener  if  necessary.    Medicines  are  sent 
from  the  hospital.  Here  is  likewise  a  visiting  com- 
Kdttee  composed  of  the  governors  of  the  hospital.  A 
i'ceeper,  with  a  salary  of  600  dollars  per  annum,  per- 
1  brms  the*  duties  of  superintendant  and  acts  under 
■  he  direction  of  the  superintendant  of  the  hospital. 
■There  is  also  a  female  keeper,  and  other  necessary 
fiervants. 

G 


74 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


No  visitor  is  admitted  into  the  asylum  without 
permission  from  a  governor,  physician,  or  surgeon, 
of  the  hospital,  or  from  the  superintendant ;  and  then 
only  at  stated  hours,  fixed,  by  the  asylum  commit- 
tee. 

Lying-in  Hospital,  On  1st  March  1799,  a  socie- 
ty was  incorporated  by  the  Legislature  under  the 
style  of  the  "  Society  of  the  Lying-in  Hospital  of 
the  city  of  New- York,"  for  the  purpose  of  establish- 
ing- an  asylum  for  pregnant  women  unable  to  pro- 
cure necessary  medical  aid  and  nursing  during  their 
confinement.  The  funds  of  this  association  were 
too  limited  to  enable  them  to  carry  their  purpose  in- 
to complete  effect;  in  consequence  of  which  an 
agreement  was  entered  into  between  them  and  the 
New- York  Hospital,  by  which  the  money  belonging 
to  the  society  was  given  up  for  its  use,  on  condition 
that  an  apartment  should  be  appropriated  in  the  hos- 
pital to  a  lying-in  ward.  A  suitable  room  was  ac- 
cordingly fitted  up  on  the  westerly  side  of  the  second 
story  of  the  building,  which  has  ever  since  been  oc- 
cupied as  a  public  lying-in  ward,  under  the  same 
government  and  management  as  the  hospital.  Here 
female  pupils  are  admitted,  on  a  recommendation  of 
a  governor,  a  physician,  or  surgeon,  of  the  institu- 
tion, for  the  purpose  of  being  instructed  in  the  art  of 
midwifery. 


ALMS  HOUSE. 

The  buildings  occupied  by  this  useful  and  necessa- 
ry establishment  stand  at  Bellevue  on  the  banks  of 
the  East  river,  than  which  there  is  not  a  more  healthy 
and  pleasant  situation  on  the  whole  island.  The 
principal  building  fronts  the  river,  between  which 
there  is  a  piece  of  ground  allotted  to  recreation.  It 
is  a  plain  stone  structure  three  stories  high,  with 
slated  roof  and  measuring  320  feet  in  length  and  fifty 
in  width.  Is  has  three  elevations  or  pediments  in  front ; 


1 


TO  THE  ClTlT  OF  HTEW-TORK.  73 

one  in  the  centre,  rising*  a  story  higher  than  the 
building-,  from  which  spring-s  a  handsome  cupola ; 
the  two  others  project  from  the  front,  at  each  end, 
and  are  of  the  same  height  as  the  building.  The  en- 
trance is  in  the  centre,  over  the  ground  floor,  to 
which  there  is  access  by  a  flight  of  steps. 

In  the  rear,  at  a  proper  distance,  stands  a  work 
house  three  stories  high,  for  the  employment  of  the 
poor.  It  is  of  brick  and  measures  200  by  25  feet. 
At  each  end,  with  a  space  between,  there  is  an  hos- 
pital, of  the  same  height  and  materials,  one  for  males 
and  another  for  females.  They  are  each  75  feet  in 
length,  and  25  in  breadth.  In  the  interior  arrange- 
ment of  these  buildings,  utility  and  convenience  has 
been  chiefly  studied,  while  the  health  and  comfort 
of  the  inmates  has  not  been  in  any  respect  over- 
looked.— Including-  the  space  on  which  the  peniten- 
tiary stands,  the  ground  occupied  by  the  premises 
extends  to  about  24  acres,  18  of  which  are  surround- 
ed by  a  board  fence,  and  6  by  a  stone  wall,  about  7 
feet  in  height.  Outside  the  walls,  there  is  a  school 
house  for  educating-  poor  children ;  a  bake  house ; 
g-ardener's  house  and  kitchen  g?rden,  for  supplying 
the  establishment  with  veg-etables;  barn;  wastehousev 
and  other  necessary  offices.  The  keeper  and  his 
family  occupy  the  house  nearly  adjoining,  which  was 
formerly  used  as  an  hospital  for  persons  affected  by 
the  epidemic  disease. 

In  the  year  1699,  when  the  population  of  the  city 
did  not  exceed  6000,  the  poor  received  partial  relief 
in  their  own  houses,  or  in  lodging-s  provided  for  them 
by  the  vestry.  About  15  years  after,  an  Alms  House 
was  erected  on  the  spot  where  the  City  Hall  now 
stands,  and  the  poor  were  maintained  out  of  what 
was  then  called  the  Minister's  Fund,  a  small  tax 
upon  the  inhabitants,  and  by  voluntary  contributions. 
At  the  beginning  of  the  revolutionary  war,  it  was 
found  necessary  to  remove  the  poor,  first  to  West- 
Chester,  then  to  Poughkeepsie.    They  did  not,  how- 


76 


TFIE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


ever,  remain  long  here,  as  the  establishment  of  in- 
dependence opened  the  door  for  their  return,  when 
several  additions  were  made  to  the  former  buildings. 
The  nipid  increase  of  population,  and  the  number  of 
emigrants,  which  at  this  time  flowed  from  different 
parts  of  Europe,  soon  rendered  it  necessary  to  erect 
a  new  Aims-House,  being  that  building  at  present 
occupied  by  the  City  Institution  in  Chamber-street. 
This  was  opened  for  the  reception  of  the  poor  in  the 
year  1795.  JS' early  the  same  causes  which  gave 
birth  to  this  last  erection,  led,  in  process  of  time,  to 
the  formation  of  the  extensive  buildings  at  Belie vue, 
of  which  we  have  given  a  short  description.  The 
first  stone  of  the  new  Aims-House  was  laid  August 
1st,  1811,  and  it  was  opened  in  the  beginning  of  the 
year  1816*.  The  expense,  including  the  Peniten- 
tiary and  other  buildings,  was  418,791  dollars  34cts. 

For  some  years  previous  and  subsequent  to  1807, 
it  was  estimated  that  the  poor  supported  in  this  asy- 
lum amounted  to  about  700.  In  the  beginning  of 
August  last,  the  numbers  stood  as  follows : 

Men  . 
Women 
Boys  . 
Girls  . 

Total  1487 

i 

The  increase  had  been  much  greater  during  the  , 
last  18  months  than  at  any  former  period  of  the  same  ] 
extent.  That  this  is  not  directly  occasioned  by  the  ] 
immense  emigration  now  taking  place  from  foreign  < 
countries,  is  evident  from  the  circumstance,  that  j 
only  25  emigrants  have  been  received  into  the  Alms-  * , 
House  during  the  last  two  years.  A  great  influx  of  { 
strangers,  particularly  mechanics,  naturally  produces  } 


400 
410 
433 
244 


*  See  the  Rev.  .».  Stanford's  disco ur-e  at  opening  the  chapel* 
preached  before  the  Corporation,  April  2'.\  1316. 


TO  THE  CITY  OE  NEW-YORK.  7? 

a  scarcity  of  employment.  But  it  is  not  in  New- 
York  as  in  England.  There  they  must  starve,  or  go 
to  the  work-house,  from  want  of  employment.  Here, 
although  work  may  not  be  so  plenty  in  sea  port  towns 
as  formerly,  owing  to  the  increase  of  hands,  yet  the 
inland  parts  of  the  country  offer  to  the  enterprising 
and  industrious,  ample  means  of  support.  The  rapid 
increase  of  paupers  in  this  city  ought,  therefore,  to 
be  considered  a  partial  evil,  which,  by  a  strict  atten- 
tion to  the  circumstances  of  applicants  for  relief,  may 
speedily  admit  of  a  remedy. 

The  rules  and  regulations  enacted  by  the  Corpora- 
tion for  the  government  of  the  Alms- House,  are  of 
the  most  salutary  kind  :  Five  "  discreet  and  compe- 
tent persons,  being  freeholders  of  this  city,"  are  ap- 
pointed Commissionei  s  of  this  institution,  and  of  the 
Cit3r  Bridewell  and  Penitentiary.  They  superintend 
and  direct  all  the  internal  and  external  business,  ex- 
cept the  appropriation  of  money,  and  the  appointment 
of  officers ;  and  assist  in  examining  the  accounts,  and 
reporting  quarterly. 

There  is  a  Superintendant,  who  is  always  a  Com- 
missioner, and  acts  concurrently  with  them.  He 
receives  a  salary  of  2000  dollars  per  annum.  Before 
entering  upon  his  office,  he  is  sworn  faithfully  to  dis- 
charge his  duty,  and  not  to  commit  or  suffer  any  wil- 
lful waste  or  embezzlement.  He  appoints  matrons  to 
take  charge  of  the  children ;  cooks,  officers,  and  other 
domestics  of  the  house,  removeable  at  his  pleasure. 
He  examines,  daily,  the  entries  and  accounts  of  the 
Purveyor;  subscribes  the  checks  for  money;  takes 
account  of  the  several  articles  under  the  control  of  the 
physicians,  steward,  and  servants;  examines  and 
countersigns  the  statement  of  accounts  prepared  by 
the  clerk  for  the  use  of  the  Corporation;  and,  on  ex- 
hibiting these  accounts,  which  is  done  every  quarter, 
[he  lays  before  the  Corporation  a  return  of  the  officers 
under  him,  and  of  the  number,  names,  ages,  place  of 
;  birth,  and  condition  of  the  paupers. 

G  2 


7a 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


The  Purveyor?*  duty  consists  in  making  purchases 
for  the  use  o:  the  institution.  The  Clerk  keeps  a  re- 
gulai  entry  of  every  purchase,  and  of  its  application, 
and  attends  in  the  office  every  day  from  9  A.  M.  to  2 
in  the  afternoon.  On  the  first  Monday  in  February, 
May,  August,  and  November,  he  prepares,  for  the 
inspection  of  the  corporation,  a  correct  and  fair  state- 
ment of  all  money  transactions. 

There  is  a  liouse  Physician  and  house  Surgeon,  each 
of  w'.om  receive  a  salary  of  250  dollars  per  annum, 
besides  the  privilege  of  dieting  in  the  house.  There 
is  also  a  visiting  Physician  and  visiting  Surgeon,  but 
their  appointments  are  purely  honorary,  as  they  do 
not  receive  any  remuneration  for  their  services. 

Any  office  bearer  receiving  emolument  otherways 
than  their  stated  salaries,  or  suffering  any  fraud,  im- 
position, or  extortion,  relative  to  the  poor,  or  the 
supplies  of  the  house,  or  embezzling,  or  suffering  to 
be  embezzled,  any  thing  belonging  to  it,  or  conceal- 
ing the  same,  or  wilfully  neglecting  their  duty,  are 
dismissed  with  disgrace,  and  punished  according  to 
law. 

No  pauper  is  admitted  without  a  previous  examina- 
tion as  to  situation  and  circumstances  by  the  Com- 
missioners or  superintendant.  If  it  appears  that  the 
applicant  is  legally  settled  elsewhere,  he  is  provided 
lor  until  a  convenient  opportunity  of  removal  offers. 
None  are  received  who  have  an  infectious  or  conta- 
gious disorder,  and  no  children  are  admitted  who 
have  not  had  the  small-pox  or  been  vaccinated,  unless 
they  submit  to  that  operation, 

When  received  into  the  house,  the  paupers  are 
classed  into  different  rooms  or  messes ;  due  regard 
being  had  to  character  and  sex,  and  that  married  per- 
sons reside  together.  Profane  and  loose  conversa- 
tion, quarrelling,  drunkenness,  and  other  immoral 
practices,  are  punished  by  public  admonition,  re- 
moval from  the  mess,  wearing  a  badge  of  infamy,  so- 
litary confinement;  or  removal  to  Bridewell  if  incor- 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  STEW-YORK. 


79 


risible.  Such  as  are  able  to  work  are  furnished  with 
employment,  and  rewarded  if  more  than  ordinary  in- 
dustrious. None  are  allowed  to  go  abroad  without  a 
written  per  mission.  If  found  without  this,  or  intoxi- 
cated, or  guilty  of  disorderly  conduct,  or  resorting  lo 
beg'ging,  they  are  apprehended,  and  proceeded  against 
as  common  vagrants. 

The  utmost  cleanliness  pervades  all  the  apart- 
ments, and  every  thing  like  waste  or  destruction  is 
carefully  prevented.  JNTo  strong  liquors  are  admitted 
without  permission  or  when  prescribed  by  the  physi- 
cian. The  diet  of  the  paupers  is  wholesome,  nu- 
tricious,  and  plentiful ;  their  clothing  comfortable  ; 
and  their  fuel  given  out  regularly  and  in  sufficient 
quantity.  The  sick,  in  particular,  are  attended  to 
with  the  greatest  assiduity,  and  the  utmost  care  ta&en 
to  remove  from  them  every  species  of  filth,  and  to 
preserve  the  rooms  properly  aired. 

Healthy  and  proper  nurses  are  provided  for  the 
children,  and  when  arrived  at  a  proper  age  they  are 
taught  reading,  writing,  and  arithmetic,  in  the  school 
belonging  to  the  institution.  The  girls  are  also 
taught  plain  work  and  knitting.  Every  thing  condu- 
cive to  health,  and  decent  behaviour,  is  studied  by 
those  under  whose  immediate  care  the  children  are 
placed.  If  any  of  them  show  uncommon  capacity, 
the  Corporation  authorise  their  being  instructed  in 
the  higher  branches  of  learning,  and  take  measures* 
that  they  profit  by  this  in  future.  Others  are  ap- 
prenticed to  suitable  trades  and  occupations,  and  pro- 
tected by  the  Superintendent  from  bad  usage,  during 
the  whole  of  their  service,  being  "  considered,  in 
every  respect,  as  the  children  of  the  public,  under 
his  care." 

Decent  and  well-behaved  persons  may  visit  the 
house  at  all  seasonable  hours ;  and  the  citizens  are 
invited  to  be  "{vigilantin  their  attention  to  the  Alms 
House  and  its  management;  to  note  every  abuse 
which  may  take  place,  and  to  suggest  such  improve- 
ments as  may  occur  to  them,  in  confidence  that  their 


TttE  b  1  h  ..  .  .  ER'S  UV1D£ 


observations,  addressed  to  the  Common  Council,  will 
be  duly  noticed." 

This  institution  is  supported  by  a  tax  upon  the  in- 
habitants. In  1307,  under  the  old  establishment,  the 
annual  expense  amounted  to  40,000  dollars.  Last 
year  it  was  90,086. 


COLUMBIA  COLLEGE. 

This  edifice  stands  on  an  elevated  and  airy  situation 
at  the  upper  end  of  Park  Place,  between  Broadway 
and  the  Hudson,  in  the  near  vicinity  of  the  City  Hall. 
It  is  a  neat  gray  stone  building-,  three  stories  high, 
with  slated  roof.  It  has  four  staircases;  there  are 
12  apartments  in  each  story  ;  a  chapel,  hall,  library, 
museum,  anatomical  theatre,  and  a  laboratory.  The 
institution  is  possessed  of  an  extensive,  valuable,  and 
well  adapted  philosophical  apparatus,  for  the  purposes 
of  mechanical  philosophy  and  astronomy;  and  the 
library  contains  a  numerous  collection  of  scientific 
books,  to  assist  the  students  in  their  researches. 

Originally  this  university  bore  the  name  of  King^s 
College;  but  this  was  changed  at  the  revolution.  It 
was  established  by  lottery,  and  incorporated  by  char- 
ter from  Governor  Delancy,  on  31st  October,  1754. 
In  April,  1784,  this  was  confirmed,  with  some  modi- 
fications. By  an  act  of  the  legislature,  passed  April 
9th,  1813,  it  was  enacted  "  that  the  present  Trustees 
of  Columbia  College  and  their  successors  shall  be 
and  remain  for  ever  hereafter  a  body  politic  and  cor- 
porate, in  fact  and  in  name,  by  the  name  of  the 
trustees  of  Columbia  College  in  the  City  of  New- 
York." 

Another  act,  dated  April  14th,  1814,  transferred 
the  Botanic  Garden,  with  all  its  appurtenances  in 
property,  to  this  institution :  but  on  the  "  express 
condition  that  the  college  establishment  shall  be  re- 
moved to  the  said  tract  of  land  hereby  granted,  or  to 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


lands  adjoining-  thereto,  within  12  years  from  this 
time." 

Another  condition  of  this  grant  was,  that  the  trus- 
tees "  shall  within  3  months  from  the  time  of  the  pas- 
sage of  this  act.  transmit  to  the  trustees  of  each  of 
the  other  colleges  in  this  state,  a  list  of  the  diiferent 
kinds  of  plants,  flowers,  and  shrubs  in  said  garden; 
and  within  one  year  thereafter  the  said  trustees  of 
Columbia  College  shall  deliver  at  the  said  garden,  if 
required,  at  least  one  healthy  exotic  plant,  shrub  or 
plant  of  each  kind,  of  which  they  shall  have  more 
than  one  at  the  time  of  application ;  together  with 
the  jar  or  vessel  containing  the  same,  to  the  trustees 
of  each  of  the  other  colleges  of  this  state,  who  shall 
apply  therefor." 

The  funds  of  Columbia  College,  though  originally 
arising  from  precarious  sources,  have  greatly  increas- 
ed, since  its  establishment,  b}  private  and  ieg-islative 
donations.  One  of  its  early  Trust. ;es,  Joseph  Murray, 
Esq.  an  eminent  counsellor  at  law,  left  property  for 
the  use  of  the  institution  to  the  amount  of  25000 
dollars.  The  annual  revenue  may  now  be  estimated 
at  upwards  of  4000  dollars.  The  management  is  con- 
fided to  Trustees,  who  direct  and  prescribe  the  coutije 
of  study  and  the  discipline  to  be  observed  in  the  Col- 
lege. They  appoint  a  president  from  among s  them- 
selves ;  who  holds  his  office  during  good  behaviour.. 
No  professor,  tutor  or  other  assistant,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  provost  for  the  time  being,  is  eligible 
to  fill  the  office  of  trustee.  Eleven  Trustees  form  a 
quorum  for  the  dispatch  of  ordinary  business.  In  the 
disposal  of  real  estate  or  suspension  of  a  president, 
it  require^  13. — The  Trustees  also  elect  a  chairman 
annually,  and  have  the  power  of  declaring  seats  va- 
cant on  the  non-attendance  or  death  of  members, 
and  of  electing  others  in  their  place.  It  likewise  be- 
longs to  the  trustees  "  tog-rant  all  such  literary  hon- 
ours and  degrees  as  are  usually  granted  1  y  any  uni- 
versity, college  or  seminary  of  learning,  in  this  state. 


TI1E  STRANGER1S  GUIDE 


or  in  the  United  States,"  and  to  give  diplomas  there- 
of. It  is  an  express  condition  of  their  charter,  that 
none  of  their  ordinances  or  by-laws  shall  make  M  the 
religious  tenets  of  any  person  a  condition  of  admis- 
sion to  any  privilege  or  office  in  the  said  College." 

Columbia  College  was  instituted  for  the  purpose  of 
educating  youth  in  the  learned  languages,  and  in  the 
arts  and  sciences.  In  the  year  1769  a  Faculty  of 
Medicine  was  annexed  to  it.  A  College  of  Physi- 
cians and  Surgeons,  however,  having  been  establish- 
ed in  this  city  in  1807,  it  was  considered  most  eligi- 
ble that  the  Faculty  of  Medicine  of  Columbia  Col- 
lege should  be  attached  to  the  new  Institution.  This 
desirable  union  took  place  in  September  1813;  so 
that  Columbia  College,  having  annulled  their  sta- 
tutes which  respected  the  medical  school,  now  con- 
sists of  a  Faculty  of  Arts  only.  This  has  a  professor 
of  Moral  Philosophy,  who  is  also  President  of  the 
Faculty ;  a  professor  of  Classical  Literature ;  a  pro- 
fessor of  Mathematics,  Natural  Philosophy,  Astro- 
nomy, Geography,  and  Chronology  ;  and  a  professor 
of  Lo^ic,  Rhetoric  and  Belle  Lettres.  The  lectures 
on  these  different  topics,  commence  in  the  beginning 
of  August,  and  are  continued  annually. 

COLLEGE  OF  PHYSICIANS  AND  SUPiGEONS. 

The  building  occupied  by  this  respectable  body  is 
situated  in  Barclay-street.  It  is  an  elegant  and  com- 
modious structure,  and  fitted  up,  in  the  interior,  in  a. 
style  completely  adapted  to  the  different  objects  em- 
braced by  this  society.  It  was  not  till  May  1813, 
that  the  trustees  purchased  the  ground  on  which  they 
afterwards  reared  the  present  building. 

In  the  Monthly  Magazine  for  September  1817, 
published  in  this  city,  it  is  intimated,  that  "  for  the 
information  of  the  friends  of  this  University,  who  re- 
side in  distant  parts  of  the  Union,  it  may  not  be  un- 
interesting to  state,  that,  by  the  aid  of  the  enlighten- 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


83 


ed  and  public  spirited  legislature  of  New- York,  and 
the  honourable  the  Agents,  the  college  edifice  since 
the  last  session  has  been  augmented  to  double  its 
former  size." 

The  charter  by  which  this  college  was  erected  is 
dated  12th  March,  1807.  It  was  granted  by  the  Re- 
gents of  the  University*,  who  were  authorized  by  the 


*  In  1784  an  University  was  instituted  in  this  sttte.  In  1787  a 
repeal  of  that  act  too*  place,  by  a  new  act  of  institution,  under 
the  title  of  the  "  Regent*  of  the  Uo'versity  of  the  State  of  New- 
York"  This  was  merely  a  literary  society  of  2)  gentlemen  appoint- 
ed to  superintend  the  interests  of  literature  and  invested  with  ade- 
quate powers  By  several  amendatory  acts  their  powers  have  heen 
somewhat  extended  ;  and  they  now  have  the  di-U*. button  ofcomi- 
derable  sums  of  money  among  the  literary  institutions  of  the  stale. 
The  Governor  and  Lieutenant-Governors  are  member':  ex  officio. 
The  other  Regents  are  appointed  hy  the  legislature,  and  vacancies 
are  so  filled  -They  choose  a  Chancellor  and  Vice-Chancellor  of 
the  University,  from  their  own  number  who  preside  at  their  meet' 
iogs  They  are  a  corporate  body,  have  a  con.mon  seal,  and  ap- 
point a  Treasurer,  and  a  Secretary  who  keeps  a  journal  ot  all  their 
proceedings. 

It  is  their  duty  to  visit  all  the  Colleges,  Academies,  and  Schools ; 
to  inspect  the  system  of  education,  their  state  and  discipline,  and 
make  yearly  report  thereof  to  the  legislature  to  visit  each  college 
once  in  each  year,  to  make  by-laws,  to  appoint  presidents  thereof 
in  ca^e  of  vacancy,  and  principals  of  acauemies,  and  report  also  to 
the  legislature  They  meet  annually  at  the  Assembly  Chamber  on 
the  2d  Thursday  after  the  annual  meeting  of  the  le  d  lature,  and  as 
oftan  thereafter  as  occasion  shall  require  They  are  authorised  to 
incorporate  Colleges  and  Academies,  to  confer  degiees  by  diplo- 
ma, of  a  higher  order  than  Ylaster  of  Arts  and  Medical  degrees, 
and  to  apply  the  funds  of  the  institution  i'i  s ach  manner  as  they 
shall  think  rr.o«t  conducive  to  the  interests  of  literature,  and  the 
advancement  of  useful  knowledge  within  th  s  state.  The  Hegents 
are,  therefore,  the  literary  and  sciemi.ie  censors  of  this  state,  and 
the  institution  has  been  of  extensive  me. 

Agreea  de  to  their  last  report,  they  have  received  the  regular 
returns  from  twenty  of  the  incorporated  Academies,  and  Co- 
lumbia and  Union  College,  all  In  prosperous  circumstance!.  The 


THE  STRANGERS  GUIDE 


legislature  to  institute  a  College  of  physicians  and 
surgeons.  In  November  1807,  the  business  of  the  me- 
dical college  commenced,  by  courses  of  lectures  on 
all  the  branches  of  medicine.  In  the  beginning  of 
the  year  1803,  the  legislature  appropriated  20,000 
dollars,  for  the  benefit  of  this  institution,  which  con- 
tinued to  flourish  till  the  year  1810,  when  seriousdif- 
ferences  took  place  between  the  president  and  pro- 
fessors, of  a  na  ire  calculated  to  injure  the  estab- 
lishment. This,  however,  was  prevented  by  the  in- 
terference of  the  Kegents,  and  upon  its  re-organiza- 
tion, in  1 81 1,  several  material  alterations  took  place, 
in  its  professorships  and  internal  government.  Dur- 
ing this  year  the  legislature  conferred  another  grant 
of  500  dollars  per  annum,  and  the  College  wras  au- 
thorized to  confer  degrees  in  medicine.  On  15th 
May  1811,  this  degree  was  granted  to  8  students, 
and  in  May  1814,  the  whole  number  graduated  was 
35  ;  seven  of  whom  had  then  published  their  inau- 
gural dissertations.  In  June  1812,  anew  charter  was 
granted  by  the  Regents,  which  was  confirmed  by  the 
legislature  on.  5th  April  1813. 

property  and  funds  iield  by  tiiese  twenty  Academies  in  !  813 
amounted  to  about  iU0,009  dollars,  besides  their  annual  reve- 
nue derived,  from  tuition,  &c  —The  Regents  then  distribu* 
ted  about  2.000  dollar?  annually  among  the  academies  Thi3 
distribution,  and  the  numl  er  of  incorporated  academies,  has  great- 
ly increased  since  Academies  not  repor'ing-  precludes  them 
from  a  share  ol  the  money  No  new  Academies  are  incorporated 
until  endowed  with  a  permanent  fund,  producing  an  annual  reve- 
nue of  100  dollars,  and  until  incorporated,  draw  no  dividend  of 
the  monies  distributed  by  the  Regents  They  have  also  resolved, 
that  no  OUegc  'halt  be  established  until  endowed  with  perma- 
nent funds  amounting  to  60000  dollars,  yielding  an  annual  income 
of  3500  dollars  The  Regents  have  power  to  erect  colleges  from 
academies  whenever,  they  think  proper  to  do  so,  authorizing  the 
trustees,  to  choose  a  President.  No  religious  test  can  be  required 
of  presidents  or  professor' ;  and  no  Regent  can  be  a  president  or 
trustee  or  principal  of  any  College  or  Academy  in  this  stale.— 
Revised  Laws  of  Ntn-Yor<c.—Spajf'ord's  Gazetteer. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YOIIK.  H5 

In  September,  1813,  the  medical  department,  which 
formerly  constituted  an  important  division  of  Colum- 
bia College,  became  an  integral  part  of  the  College 
of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  by  an  amicable  agree- 
ment between  these  two  establishments,  which  was 
confirmed  by  the  Regents  of  the  University  in  March, 
1814;  and  on  13th  April,  following,  an  act  was  passed 
fey  the  legislature  for  "  instituting  a  lottery  for  the 
promotion  of  literature  and  other  purposes  ;"*  30,000 
dollars  arising  out  of  which  is  appropriated  "  to  the 
College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  in  the  city  of 
New- York,  for  the  endowment  of  said  College."  On 
assigning  their  right  to  this  money  to  the  state,  it  was 
agreed,  by  an  act  of  the  legislature,  of  21st  Marck 
last,  to  lend  the  College  an  equal  sum,  on  payment  of 
interest  till  the  drawing  of  the  lottery. 

The  management  of  the  affairs  of  the  College  is 
in  the  hands  of  Trustees.  By  the  act  of  the  legisla- 
ture of  April  5th,  1813,  it  is  enacted,  "that  the 
amount  of  the  property  which  the  said  college  shall 
or  may  be  authorised  to  hold,  shall  never  exceed  in 
value  150,000  dollars,  current  money  of  New- York; 
and  that  the  said  Regents  reserve  to  themselves  the 
right  of  conferring  degrees,  and  appointing  the  profes- 
sors or  teachers  of  the  several  branches  of  the  medi- 
cal science  in  the  said  college,  and  of  filling  all  such 
vacancies  as  shall  or  may  arise  among  the  trustees  or 
members  thereof."  The  Regents  are  also  authorised 
by  the  same  act,  to  appoint  any  of  the  trustees  profes- 
sors and  teachers  in  the  college,  and  to  alter  and 
amend  the  charter,  when  they  think  fit. 

On  25th  July,  1817,  the  following  courses  of  lec- 
tures were  settled,  to  be  delivered  during  the  ensuing 
session,  commencing  5th  November:   viz.  on  the 


•  No  bill  before  the  legislature  excited  greater  interest  and  at- 
trition than  this  art.  Much  credit  is  due  to  the  unwearied  exer- 
tions of  the  able  and  eloquent  President  of  Union  College,  in  prch 
curing  its  passage.   Laws  of  Nerv-York,  vol.  ill .  C.  p.  115. 

H 


06  THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 

Theory  and  Practise  of  Physic,  and  Obstetrics,  and. 
the  Diseases  of  women  and  children;  on  Chemistry 
and  Materia  Medica-;  on  Anatomy,  Physiology,  and 
Surgery;  on  Natural  History  ;  on  the  Clinical  Prac- 
tice of  Medicine  ;  on  the  Principles  and  Practice  of 
Surgery  ;  and  on  the  Institutes  of  Medicine  and  Me- 
dical Jurisprudence.--"  It  is  deemed  proper  to  state, 
that  although  this  liberal  and  extensive  system  of 
medical  and  philosophical  instruction  has  been  pro- 
vided by  the  honourable  the  Regents,  the  patrons  of 
this  institution,  yet  the  expense  of  education  to  the 
candidates  for  medical  honours  is  not  increased  be- 
yond that  of  any  other  College  in  the  Union.  As  the 
courses  are  not  made  indispensably  necessary  for 
graduation,  and  the  student  is  at  liberty  to  attend  any 
one  or  more  of  the  professors,  as  he  may  think  ex- 
pedient, the  professors  insist  upon  the  attainments  of 
the  candidate,  and  not  upon  the  number  of  courses, 
nor  the  number  of  years  he  may  have  attended  at  the 
University.'5* 


*  American  Month.  Mag.  for  Sep.  1817.-  Smith,  the  author  of  the 
colonial  history  of  New-York,  has  mentioned  it  as  a  matter  of  as- 
tonishment, and  with  the  -view  of  bringing  the  medical  practice  at 
that  period  into  discredit,  that  there  was  then  one  physician  to  50 
families.  From  this  he  inferred,  that  "  Quacks  abound  like  locusts 
in  Egypt."  But  we  have  yet  to  learn  that  the  importance  of 
any  science  is  to  be  determined  by  the  number  of  its  practitioners. 
How  little  credit  would  many  of  the  institutions  of  the  present  day 
acquire,  if  they  were  to  be  judged  of  by  this  'criterion  !  During 
the  colonial  government,  no  pains  were  taken  by  those  in  power  to 
enlarge  the  mind,  or  to  eradicate  the  diseases  then  so  prevailing  and 
bo  fatal.  Why  then  should  those  private  individuals  who  endeavour- 
ed to  counteract  this  evil,  have  been  called  "quacks  V  Why  de- 
nominated "locusts"  because  the  difficulty  of  prescribing  a  remedy 
naturally  rendered  them  somewhat  numerous?  At  the  present 
day,  when  the  epidemic  sickness  has  been  disarmed  of  its  greatest 
terrors,  through  the  introduction  of  a  liberal  and  enlightened 
practice,  we  find  that  the  number  of  medical  practitioners  in  this 
ejty  amounts  to  *50;  giving,  according  to  the  population,  one 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


31 


MEDICAL  SOCIETIES. 

Associations  for  the  cultivation  of  medical  know- 
ledge, have  existed,  for  a  great  length  of  time,  in 
almost  all  countries  where  the  profession  has  been 
deemed  respectable.  Bat  those  for  regulating  the 
practitioners  in  medicine  are  of  more  recent  date. 

In  this  city,  the  practice  of  physic  and  surgery  re- 
mained without  any  legislative  interference  till  10th 
June,  1760,  when  some  attempts  were  made  to  regu- 
late it.  The  narrow  views  of  the  government,  how- 
ever, prevented  these  from  producing  any  general 
beneficial  effect. — In  1792  several  salutary  regula- 
tions were  introduced ;  but  it  was  not  till  March,  1797, 
that  the  first  regulation  throughout  the  state  was 
adopted.  By  this  the  chancellor,  a  judge  of  the  su- 
preme court,  or  common  pleas,  or  a  master  in  chancery, 
was  authorised  to  license  physicians  and  surgeons,  on 
receiving  evidence  of  their  having  studied  two  years, 
&c. — Another  act  explanatory  of  the  former  was 
passed  April  4th,  1801,  which  was  amended  in  one 
of  its  provisions  March  22d,  1803. 

On  April  4th,  1806,  the  legislature  authorised  the 
establishment  of  medical  societies  in  each  of  the 
counties  of  the  state  where  there  was  a  sufficient 
number  of  physicians  residing.  On  these  devolved 
the  duty  of  examining,  and  licensing  such  candidates 
as  were  found  qualified  to  practice  physic  and  surge- 

physieian  'o  80  families.  If  the  hypothesis  of  Smith  were  correct, 
this  intelligent,  useful,  and  respectable  body  ou^ht  to  be  held  up 
to  public  detestation  as  quacks  and  locusts;  because,  according  to 
the  progress  that  has  been  made  in  lessening  the  quantity  of  dis- 
ease, in  the  same  ratio  ought  the  practitioners  in  medical  science 
to  be  reduced. 

He  would  be  a  bold  man,  Indeed,  who  at  this  day,  and  in  the  face 
of  these  facts,  would  attempt  to  bring  into  discredit  the  medical 
practice  of  this  city,  on  the  grounds  assumed  by  the  author  of  the 
colonial  history. 


THE  STRANGER'S  QUIDS 


ry.  In  order  to  prevent  abuses,  and  for  oilier  pur- 
poses, it  was  likewise  provided  that  each  county  me- 
dical society  might  appoint  one  delegate  to  form  a 
State  Society,  which  should  also  have  the  power  of 
examining-  and  licensing  candidates,  especially  such 
as  had  been  rejected  by  any  of  the  county  societies. 
A  state  Medical  Society,  thus  formed,  meets  annual- 
ly at  Albany.  Since  April,  1806,  several  amend- 
ments have  been  made  to  the  original  act,  the  whole 
of  which  were  consolidated  in  one  act  on  April  10th, 
1813. 

New- York  County  Medical  Society  was  organized 
in  July,  1806,  and  continues  to  hold  stated  meetings 
in  the  city,  although  it  has  no  regular  place  for  that 
purpose.  In  common  with  the  other  County  Medi- 
cal Societies,  it  may  hold  property  not  exceeding 
1 ,000  dollars.  Three  dollars  annually  may  be  col- 
lected from  the  members  "  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
curing a  medical  library  and  apparatus,  and  for  the 
encouragement  of  useful  discoveries  in  chemistry, 
botany,  and  such  other  improvements,  as  the  majority 
of  the  society  shall  think  proper."  Students  examin- 
ed previous  to  26th  May,  1812,  to  pay  2  dollars  for  a 
diploma.    All  others  5  dollars. 

Persons  practising  physic  or  surgery  without  a  li- 
cense, forfeit  25  dollars  for  each  offence  ;  excepting 
such  as  prescribe  gratis,  or  those  using,  for  the  benefit 
of  the  sick,  the  native  roots,  barks,  or  herbs,  of  this 
country.  Licensed  persons  to  deposit  a  copy  of  their 
license  with  the  clerk  of  the  county  before  they  can 
practice. 

The  office  bearers  of  the  society  are  a  President, 
Vice-president,  Treasurer,  Secretary,  and  5  Censors. 
There  is  also  a  state  delegate,  who  is  chosen  annually 
at  the  election  of  the  office  bearers. 

Physico  Medical  Society,  The  members  of  this 
society  hold  their  meetings  every  three  months  in 
Columbia  College.  It  consists  of  medical  practi- 
tioners, a  volume  of  whose  transactions  is  in  the  press  , 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


and  will  speedily  be  forthcoming.  The  office  bearers 
are  a  President,  two  Secretaries,  Treasurer,  4  Counr 
sellors,  and  a  Committee  of  3  members. 

Medico-Chirurgical  Society*  This  society  holds  its 
meetings  at  the  Hall  of  the  College  of  Physicians  and 
Surgeons,  on  the  Friday  evening  of  every  week  dur- 
ing the  winter  session  of  the  college.  It  was  formed, 
on  12th  December,  1807,  "  for  the  purpose  of  encou- 
raging liberal  discussion  on  medical  and  surgical  sub- 
jects." By  the  constitution  of  this  society  the  regents 
of  the  universit}7,  and  the  professors  of  the  college 
are  ever  after  declared  honorary  members.  They 
have  also  honorary  and  corresponding  members  in 
different  parts  of  the  United  States,  and  elsewhere. 
The  resident  members  are  composed  almost  exclu- 
sively of  students  of  medicine  belonging  to  the  uni- 
versity, though  other  respectable  medical  practitioners 
are  not  excluded. 

Since  the  organization  of  this  society,  several  in- 
teresting dissertations  have  been  read  at  its  meet- 
ings ;  and  a  variety  of  theses  in  medical  science  dis- 
cussed with  great  ability  and  liberality.  The  office 
bearers  are  a  President,  2  Vice-Presidents,  Secreta- 
ry, Treasurer,  Librarian,  and  a  Standing  Committee 
of  three  members. 

.JEsculapian  Society — has  weekly  meetings  at  the 
Hall  of  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons.  Its 
office  bearers  are  a  President,  2  Vice-Presidents,  a 
Treasurer,  and  Secretary. 


BOTANIC  GARDEN. 

The  Elgin,  or  Botanic  Garden  is  situated  3J  miles 
from  the  City  Hall,  on  the  middle  road  between 
Bloomingdale  and  Kingsbridge.  The  ground,  con- 
sisting of  about  20  acres,  was  originally  purchased  of 
the  corporation  of  this  city.  The  view  from  the  most 
elevated  part  is  variegated  and  extensive,  and  the 
soft  ©f  that  diversified  nature  as  to  be  particuJarlv 
H  2 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


adapted  to  the  cultivation  of  a  great  variety  of  vegtv 
table  productions.  The  aspect  of  the  ground  is  a 
gentle  slope  to  the  E.  and  S. ;  and  the  whole  is  en- 
closed by  a  substantial  stone  wall  2^  feet  thick,  and 
7  feet  high,  the  greater  part  being  lined  round  by  a 
belt  of  forest  trees  and  shrubs.  The  buildings,  which 
arc  erected  on  the  most  recent  plan  adapted  in  in- 
stitutions of  this  kind,  consist  of  three  large  and  well 
constructed  houses,  exhibiting  a  front  of  160  feet. 
The  greater  part  of  the  ground  is  brought  into  a  state 
of  the  highest  cultivation,  and  divided  into  various 
departments,  calculated  for  the  instruction  of  the 
student  of  botany  and  medicine,  and  made  subservient 
to  agriculture  and  the  arts. 

This  institution  was  founded  in  1801  by  Dr.  Da- 
vid Hosack,  at  that  time  professor  of  Botany  and 
Medica,  in  Columbia  College,  and  now  professor  of 
Botany  in  that  University  and  of  the  Theory  and 
Practice  of  Physic  in  the  College  of  Physicians.  It 
was  the  first  institution  in  the  United  States  establish- 
ed as  a  repository  of  the  native  vegetable  produc- 
tions of  this  country,  and  for  the  purpose  of  natural- 
izing useful  foreign  plants.  A  common  sentiment 
had  long  prevailed  favourable  to  the  establishment 
of  a  Botanic  Garden,  among  the  friends  and  patrons 
of  science  in  this  state.  Several  attempts  had  been 
made  to  draw  public  attention  to  this  object,  but 
without  effect.  Dr.  Hosack,  therefore,  determined 
to  accomplish  it  on  his  own  account.  And  scon  after 
the  purchase  of  the  ground,  he  had  it  cleared  and 
put  in  a  state  of  cultivation  suitable  to  his  views. 
A  conservatory  for  the  preservation  of  the  more  har- 
dy green  plants  was  built,  and  at  the  beginning  of 
1815,  about  1500  native  plants,  and  a  considerable 
number  of  rare  and  valuable  exotics,  were  in  cultiva- 
tion in  this  institution.  Considerable  and  important 
additions  were  made  to  this  collection  in  1816,  addi- 
tional buildings  erected,  and  a  catalogue  of  the  plants 
published,  from  which  it  appeared  that  they  amount- 
ed to  nearly  2Q0d. 


%0  "THE  CITY  OP  NEW-YORK, 


91 


The  proprietor  having  found  that  the  expense  of 
the  establishment  far  exceeded  his  original  calcula- 
tions, was  induced  to  offer  it  for  sale  to  the  state.  An 
almost  entire  unanimity  having*  prevailed  among  the 
medical  profession  as  to  its  utility,  they  recommend- 
ed the  purchase,  which  also  received  the  countenance 
of  the  State  Medical  Society,  the  Medical  Society 
and  Hospital  of  the  City,  the  Medical  Societies  of  se- 
veral of  the  other  counties,  the  medical  students, 
and  many  of  the  respectable  inhabitants  of  this  city> 
who  joined  in  memorials  to  the  legislature  in  favour 
of  the  measure.  On  12th  March  1810,  the  Botanic 
Garden  became  the  property  of  the  State  by  a  spe- 
cial act  of  the  legislature,  and  was  immediately  there- 
after put  under  the  charge  of  Columbia  College; 
since  which,  in  consequence  of  the  medical  depart- 
ment having  been  united  to  the  College  of  Physi- 
cians and  Surgeons,  the  Botanic  Garden  is  now  un- 
der the  immediate  superintendance  of  that  establish- 
ment. The  amount  of  the  purchase  money  was 
74,268  dollars,  75  cents*. — Since  the  transfer,  Dr. 
Hosack  has  published  a  second  edition,  enlarged,  of 


*  In  March  an  act  passed,  authorizing  the  purchase  for  the 
ftite,  under  the  direction  of' the  Commissioners  of  the  Land  Office, 
who  appointed  a  Committee  to  make  the  appraisal  under  oath. 
The  Committee  accordingly  returned  their  estimite  at  49,968 
dollars,  75  cents,  for  the  garden,  bein?  2,500  dollars,  per  acre,  and 
2-1,300  dollars  for  the  buildings.  These  buildings  and  improve- 
ments consisted  of  hot  bed  frames  the  conservatory  or  green 
house  and  its  appendage?,  the  dwelling  house,  hot  houses,  &c  lod- 
ges, gate?,  fences,  &c. — Tne  committee  erimated  the  delay  of 
payment  under  the  act,  equivalent  to  5  and  a  half  years,  and  re- 
ported a  valuation,  under  these  circumstances,  of  103,137  dollars, 
But  the  commissioners  excluded  the  commutation,  and  accepted 
the  deed  at  74,263  dollars  75  cts.  The  valuatioR  was  to  exclude 
all  plants,  trees,  shrubs,  garden  tools,  &c.  These  have  since  been 
estimated,  by  com  etent  judges,  at  upwards  of  12,600  dollars 
and  by  a  botanist,  at  U,3S0."   Spafford's  Gaztitur,  p.  46. 


'Sz 


TI1E  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


the  "  Horlus  Elginensis ;  or  a  Catalogue  of  the 
Plants,  indigenous  and  exotic,  cultivated  in  the  Elgin 
Botanic  Garden,  arranged  in  alphabetical  order,  and 
embracing-  the  generic  and  specific  names  of  Lin- 
naeus, the  synonymes  of  various  authors,  the  popular 
appellations  by  which  they  are  known,  the  use  of 
the  different  plants  in  medicine  and  the  arts  &c*." 


NEW- YORK  INSTITUTION. 

This  building  stands  behind  the  City  Hall,  on  the 
north  side  of  the  Park,  and  fronting  Chamber-street. 
From  its  elevated  and  healthy  situation,  this  spot  was 
fixed  upon,  in  the  year  1795,  as  a  proper  place  to 
erect  an  Alms-house  for  the  increasing  poor  of  the 
city,  and  from  this  period  down  to  the  beginning  of 
1816,  when  the  paupers  were  removed  to  Bellevue, 
it  was  applied  to  that  purpose.  Shortly  after,  the 
Corporation,  on  the  application  of  the  scientific  insti- 
tutions of  this  city,  munificently  granted  them  the 
use  of  the  building  for  ten  years,  in  consequence  of 
which  its  name  was  changed  from  "  Alms-house, " 
to  that  of  "  New- York  Institution."  The  exterior 
of  the  building  has  nothing  attractive  about  it. 
It  is  260  feet  long,  by  44  broad,  with  two  projections  in 
front,  15feet  by  20;  and  is  composed  of  brick.  It 
rises  three  stories  in  height,  besides  a  basement  story, 
and  the  roof  is  covered  with  slate.  In  front  there  is 
a  large  space  of  ground,  and  in  the  rear  it  enjoys 
the  advantages  of  that  part  of  the  Park  lately  laid 
out  in  agreeable  walks,  behind  the  City  Hall.  At 
present  the  apartments  are  occupied  by 

1 .  The  Literary  and  Philosophical  Society, 

2.  The  Historical  Society, 

3.  The  American  Acadtmypf  the  Fine  Arts% 

4.  The  Lyceum  of  Natural  History,  and 

5.  The  American  Museum, 


*  For  a  more  circumstantial  account  of  the  Botanic  Garden;  see 
Trans,  of  the  Lit.  anil  Phii.  Soc  and  SpnJJ'ord's  Gazetteer. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK. 


The  Literary  and  Philosophical  Society,  This  so- 
ciety holds  its  meetings  on  the  second  Thursday  of 
every  month.  The  hall  is  neatly  and  commodiously 
fitted  up,  and  the  furniture  valuable  and  altogether 
corresponding"  to  the  nature  of  the  Institution*. 
Round  the  walls  are  placed  prints  of  Newton,  Hale, 
Darwin,  Warren,  Withering,  Montgomery,  and  oth- 
er distinguished  scientific  characters.  There  is  also 
a  painting  of  Dr.  Mitchill  by  Jarvis,  and  several  ele- 
gant whole  length  figures,  in  seve  porcelain,  of 
D"* Aguesseau,  Sully,  Bayard,  Lafontaine,  Vauban, 
and  Turenne. 

The  charter  of  the  Literary  and  Philosophical  So- 
ciety is  dated  March  25th,  1814.  In  the  memorial 
presented  to  the  legislature,  praying  to  be  incorpo- 
rated, it  was  stated,  that  the  object  of  this  society  is 
"  to  cultivate  the  most  useful  branches  of  knowledge, 
to  stimulate  into  activity  the  literature  and  talents 
of  the  community,  and,  by  a  concentration  of  men  of 
different  professions,  and  various  acquirements,  in 
one  association,  to  collect  a  mass  of  information 
which  may  have  a  tendency  to  elevate  the  literary 
character,  and  subserve  the  best  interests  of  our  coun 
try;"  and  in  the  preamble  to  the  act  of  incorpora- 
tion, the  principle  is  distinctly  recognized,  that  it  is 
the  duty  of  legislatures  "  to  encourage  all  laudable 
attempts  to  promote  the  useful  arts,  diffuse  know- 
ledge, and  to  enlighten  the  human  mind." 

With  these  liberal  and  patriotic  views,  this  socie- 
ty commenced  its  proceedings,  and,  on  the  4th  of 

*  In  this  Hall  the  President  of  the  United  States  entered  during 
his  visit  to  New- York.  It  was  so  ordered  that  the  Society  was  in  ses- 
sion. A  numerous  attendance  of  citizens  was  there.  In  their  pre- 
sence the  President  of  the  Society,  De  Witt  Clinton,  presented  to 
.lames  Monroe  the  diploma  of  honorary  membership,  voted  at  a  prior 
meeting :  delivering  it  with  an  appropriate  address,  and  receiving, 
in  return,  a  suitable  reply.  All  were  impressed  with  the  dignified 
alliance  between  science  and  patriotism,  exhibited  on  this  occasion . 
Med.  Repos.  Aug.  1817,  p.  95. 


94 


the  stranger's  guide 


May,  1814,  an  eloquent  and  interesting  Introducto- 
ry Discourse  was  delivered  before  them  by  their  pre- 
sident. This  discourse  is  printed  in  the  1st  volume 
of  the  Society's  Transactions,  published  in  August, 
1815.  Of  itself,  it  was  sufficient  to  refute  the  charge 
of  paucity  of  intellect,  so  often,  and  so  unjustly, 
brought  against  the  natives  of  the  United  State  , 
even  although  no  part  of  it  had  been  directed  to  that 
object.  Such  a  specimen  of  native  talent,  the  nu- 
merous facts  it  exhibits,  combined  with  the  lumin- 
ous productions  of  several  of  the  members  of  the  in- 
stitution, which  compose  this  volume*,  must  open 
the  eyes  of  every  impartial  person  to  the  unfounded 
nature  of  the  charge,  and  restore  this  country  to  as 
elevated  a  rank,  in  the  scale  of  intellectual  improve- 
ment, as  it  has  already  acquired  in  that  of  nations, 
by  the  recent  prowess  of  its  arms. 

The  management  of  this  institution  is  in  the  hands 
of  a  president,  3  vice  presidents,  12  counsellors,  2 
recording  secretaries ;  2  corresponding  secretaries, 


•  Besides  the  introductory  discourse,  this  volume  contains  the  act 
of  incorporation,  hy-Iaws  and  regulations,  list  of  resident  and  hono- 
rary members,  officers  of  the  society  for  1814  and  18;5:  together 
with  the  following  communications  of  its  members,  vi*.— Of  Comets, 
by  Dr.  Hugh  Williamson  :  on  Contagious  Diseases,  by  Dr.  Hosack  : 
on  Earthquakes,  by  Dr.Mitchill  :  Hints  on  conducting  Meteorologi- 
cal Observations,  by  John  Griscom,  Professor  of  Chemistry :  the 
Fishes  of  New  York  described  and  arranged,  by  Dr.  Mitchill :  on  the 
Fishes  of  the  western  waters  of  the  state  of  New-York,  by  the  presi- 
dent of  the  society :  Tracts  respecting  the  Rock-fish,  or  streaked 
Basse  of  the  United  States,  by  Dr.  Mease,  of  Philadelphia  :  Cases  of 
Morbid  Anatomy,  by  Dr.  Francis :  chemical  Analysis  of  the  Mineral- 
water  of  Schooley's  Mountain,  in  New- Jersey,  by  Dr.  M'Neven  :  Cir- 
cular Letter  of  the  Societj',  as  to  a  Statistical  Account  of  the  State  of 
New -York  :  and  a  Catalogue  of  Donations  to  the  Society.  rl  he  vo- 
lume extends  to  570  pages,  4to,  and  is  illustrate  with  numerous 
plates,  executed  in  this  city,  in  the  first  style  of  engraving.  Material* 
for  a  second  volume,  which  may  be  soon  exprcted,  are  now  under 
Arrangement. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  95" 

a  treasurer,  and  2  curators,  who  are  elected  on  the 
2d  Thursday  of  January  annually.  The  real  and  per- 
sonal estate  is  limited  to  5000  dollars  per  annum. 
At  the  monthly  meeting"  of  the  society  communica- 
tions are  read,  and  referred  to  the  consideration  of 
the  Counsellors,  who  are  divided  into  four  classes  : — 
1st,  Belles  Lettres,  Civil  History,  Antiquities,  Moral 
and  Political  Sciences.  2d,  Medicine,  Chemistry, 
Natural  Philosophy  and  Natural  History.  3d,  Math- 
ematics, Astronomy,  Navigation,  and  Geography. 
4th,  Husbandry,  Manufactures,  and  the  Useful  Arts. 
When  any  of  the  communications  are  thought  fit  for 
publication,  they  are  given  out  to  be  printed  in  the 
Society's  Transactions.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  cura- 
tors to  take  charge  of  the  library,  specimens  of  na- 
tural history,  and  models  of  instruments  and  machines, 
of  which  the  Society  are  already  in  possession  of  a 
Beat  and  valuable  collection. 

There  are  two  classes  of  members,  the  Resident 
and  the  Ordinary.  The  first  are  those  residing  in 
New-York ;  the  ordinary,  such  as  have  distinguish- 
ed themselves  by  their  attainments  in  science  or 
literary  publications,  without  regard  to  country  or 
place  of  residence. 

Historical  Society.  The  apartments  belonging  to 
this  invaluable  institution  are  spacious  and  conven- 
ient ;  and,  considering  the  short  period  of  occu- 
pation, and  the  variety  of  books,  MSS.  &c.  which  it 
was  necessary  to  arrange,  every  thing  has  the  as- 
pect of  neatness  and  regularity.  The  hall  of  meet- 
ing is  ornamented  with  prints  of  Green  and  Lincoln  ; 
busts  of  Washington,  Hamilton,  and  J.  G.  Bogert, 
Esq.  and  paintings  of  Benson,  Americus,  Columbus, 
Cortery  and  Magellan,  with  other  characteristic  de- 
corations. There  is  also  a  portrait  of  John  Pin- 
tard,  Esq.  the  Secretary,  painted  by  Trumbull. 

The  Historical  Society  is  divided  into  two  branch- 
es, the  Civic  Branch,  and  the  Natural  Branch.  Un- 
der the  former,  there  has  been  collected  an  immense 


THE  STRANGERS  GUIDE 


number  of  books,  maps,  manuscripts,  prints,  paint- 
ings, busts,  pamphlets,  hand-bills,  gazettes,  coins, 
medals,  rmd  every  document  calculated  to  illustrate 
the  civil  history  ^of  the  country.  The  other  branch, 
called  also  "the  Cabinet  of  Natural  History,"  con- 
sist t  of  three  divisions  :  1  Zoology  and  Geology,  2. 
Botany  and  vegetable  Physiology ;  3.  Mineralogy; 
which  have  been  organized  to  promote  an  intimate 
acquaintance  with  the  productions  of  Nature.  "  It 
is  almost  incredible  with  what  rapidity  articles  in 
the  several  departments  have  been  gathered  and  ar- 
ranged. Already  the  exhibition  of  domestic  and 
foreign  specimens  has  become  eminently  instructive 
and  intere  ^ting,  and  is  growing  daily  more  so.  The 
principal  standard  books  of  reference  are  already 
there,  whereby  the  investigation  of  a  species  is  ren- 
dered as  easy  as  possible.  Thus,  the  foundation  is 
laid  of  a  magnificent  school  of  nature,  which  will  be 
enriched  by  every  thing  that  inland  communication 
and  foreign  intercourse  bring  home*." 

This  society  was  formed  on  10th  February,  1^09, 
by  an  association  of  gentlemen,  in  imitation,  it  is 
said,  of  a  similar  institution  in  Massachusetts.  On 
13th  April,  1814,  the  legislature,  always  prompt  in 
giving  encouragement  to  science  and  literature,  di- 
rected the  secretary  of  state  to  transmit  for  the  use  of 
the  society  a  set  of  the  revised  laws,  and  of  all  the 
subsequent  journals  of  their  sessions  ;  "  and  that  the 
said  society  may,  by  their  agent  or  agents,  have  ac- 
cess, at  all  reasonable  times,  to  the  secretary's  office, 
and  the  other  public  offices  of  this  state,  and  may 
cause  such  documents  or  records  to  be  copied  without 
paying  office  fees,  as  they  may  judge  proper  to  pro- 
mote the  objects  of  the  institution."  And,  on  the 
15th  of  the  same  month,  a  permanent  fund  was  cre- 
ated for  its  future  support,  by  a  legislative  donation 
of  12,000  dollars,  41  for  the  purpose  of  procuring 


*  Medical  Repository,  Avgust,  1817.^.  96. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


97 


books,  manu.-cripts,  and  other  materials,  to  illustrate 
the  natural,  literary,  civil,  and  ecclesiastical  history 
of  America." 

In  1810  a  1st  volume  of  the  Societv's  Collections 
appeared,  and  a  2d  was  published  in  1 816.  The  value 
of  the  property  of  the  institution,  including  the  above 
donation,  is  now  estimated1  at  20^000  dollars. 

The  management  is  conducted  by  a  President, 
Secretary,  and  Committee,  who  are  elected  annual- 
ly, and  meet  on  the  2d  Tuesday  of  every  month. 
There  are  also  special  Committees,  to  which  are  as- 
signed distinct  departments,  all  calculated  to  promote 
the  fundamental  objects  of  the  institution.  These 
Committees  have  addressed  circulars  to  ship  masters, 
passengers,  travellers,  the  learned,  and  curious,  en- 
couraging them  to  forward  facts  and  specimens, 
which  have  already  been  attended  with  beneficial 
effects. 

The  American  Academy  of  the  Fine  Arts.  The 
specimens  of  the  arts,  and  the  designs  belonging  to 
this  society,  are  kept  in  the  east  part  of  the  build- 
ing ;  the  rooms  appropriated  for  their  use  being  spa- 
cious and  convenient.  These  specimens  consist  of 
antique  statues,  busts,  bass-reliefs,  paintings,  and 
books,  &c.  Among  the  statues  arc  the  Pythian  and 
Belvidere  Apollos,  the  Venus  of  the  Capita/,  :aud 
Venus  of  the  Bath,  Lac-coon  and  bis  Sons,  Castor  and 
Pollux,  the  Fighting  Gladiator,  and  Grecian  War- 
rior, and  the  Hermaphrodite.  There  are  busts  of 
Jupiter,  Juno,  Mercury*  Bacchus,  Homer,  Pythago- 
ras, Niobe,  Socrates,  Plato,  and  other  ancient  gods 
and  philosophers.  Washington,  Hamilton,  Clinton. 
West,  and  three  busts  of  Napoleon  Bonaparte 
are  among  the  modern  characters.  The  statues, 
busts,  and  bass-reliefs  are  45  in  number.  The  Paint- 
ings, as  enumerated  in  the  catalogue,  are  exactly  the 
same  number.  Some  of  these  are  excellent.  There 
are  five  by  Trumbull,  the  President  of  the  Society, 
that  are  much  esteemed  fcr  their  exquisite  designs 
I 


98 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


and  colouring'.  These  arc,  the  Woman  taken  in 
Adultery,  Suffer  Utile  children  to  come  unto  me.  The 
knighting  of  De  Wilton,  Peter  the  Great  at  Narva, 
and  the  Virgin,  Infant  Christ,  and  St,  John. 

The  Library  consists  of  books  of  Views,  Designs, 
and  Drawings,  chiefly  relating-  to  antique  subjects. 
Among  these  are  the  celebrated  engravings  and  views 
of  Piranesi,  in  24  superb  volumes,  presented  to  the 
Academy  by  Napoleon  Bonaparte;  Galarie  de 
Lucien  Bonaparte,  a  present  of  Lucien  Bonaparte ; 
BoydelVs  Engravings;  Cooke's  Hogarth  Restored, 
and  a  great  variety  of  other  valuable  works  of  this 
description. 

The  idea  of  establishing  an  Academy  in  New- 
York  for  the  encouragement  of  the  Fine  Arts,  ori- 
ginated with  the  late  Chancellor  Livingston,  when 
Ambassador  to  France  in  the  year  1801.  On  his 
suggestion,  subscriptions  were  set  on  foot  that  soon 
led  to  the  formation  of  the  present  society,  on  the  12th 
February,  1802,  under  the  title  of  "  The  American 
Academy  of  the  Arts."  On  12th  February,  1808, 
a  charter  was  obtained,  under  that  title,  which, 
however,  was  changed  to  the  one  it  now  bears,  and 
this,  with  other  alterations,  sanctioned  by  the  le- 
gislature on  28th  March,  1817. — Until  the  opening 
of  the  present  general  establishment,  in  consequence 
of  the  grant  of  the  Common  Council,  the  Society 
kept  their  specimens,  &c.  in  a  large  room  on  the 
second  floor  of  the  old  Custom  House.  From  re- 
spect to  Chancellor  Livingston,  they  caused  a  full 
length  portrait  of  him  to  be  painted  and  hung  up 
there.  This  has  been  very  properly  removed  to  the 
new  hall  of  the  Academy. 

The  affairs  of  the  Academy  are  conducted  by  a 
'  President,  Vice-President,  11  Directors,  Treasurer, 
Secretary,  Keeper,  and  Librarian,  who  are  chosen 
on  the  1st  Monday  of  May  annually  ;  and  the  annual 
stock  is  limited  to  5,000  dollars,  divided  into  shares  of 
25  dollars  each;  the  charter  to  endure  till  1st  Feb- 
ruaiy.  1833.    The  Directors  meet  on  the  1st  Satur- 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK. 


99 


day  of  every  month,  and  not  less  than  four  forms  a 
quorum  for  transacting  business. 

Academicians  and  Associates  are  appointed  by  the 
by-laws  of  the  institution.  The  number  of  each  is 
limited  to  20.  The  Academicians  must  be  men  of 
good  moral  character,  artists  by  profession,  and,  at 
least,  24  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  their  appoint- 
ment. Within  one  year  after  his  election,  every 
academician  must  deposit  a  specimen  of  his  talents 
with  the  Academy,  to  remain  its  property,  otherwise 
he  will  be  deemed  to  have  renounced  his  election. 
Associates  must  also  be  artists  by  profession,  exhi- 
biters  in  the  Academy,  and  21  years  of  age  when 
elected.  After  the  first  elections  of  Academicians, 
none  can  be  appointed  such,  unless  they  have  pre- 
viously been  associates. 

Twice  every  year,  in  the  spring  and  in  the  fall, 
there  are  public  exhibitions  in  the  gallery  and  cham- 
bers of  the  Academy,  of  the  productions  of  all  paint- 
ers, sculptors,  and  designers,  who  may  think  proper 
to  send  in  their  works  to  be  exhibited.  Admission 
twenty-Jive  cents.  The  office  bearers  of  the  Acade- 
my, the  Governor  and  Lieutenant-Governor  of  the 
state,  the  Chancellor,  and  Judges  of  the  Supreme 
Court ;  the  Treasurer,  Comptroller,  Attorney  Gene- 
ral, and  Secretary  of  the  state;  the  members  and 
stockholders  of  the  Academy,  artists  who  are  exhi- 
bitors in  the  gallery ;  the  Director  of  an  Academy  of 
Arts  of  any  other  state  ;  and  the  widow  and  children 
of  the  late  Robert  Fulton,  are  entitled  to  free  admis- 
sion, at  all  times,  to  the  exhibition. 

The  Lyceum  of  Natural  History.  This  is  a  re- 
cent institution,  having  been  formed  since  the  pre- 
sent building  was  appropriated  to  literary  and  scien- 
tific purposes.  We  shall  here  give,  by  permission, 
the  account  of  this  establishment,  as  it  appeared  in 
the  Medical  Repository  for  August  last,  which  may 
be  relied  upon  as  correct : — 

In  February  1817,  a  society  was  formed  for  the 


100 


TRE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


express  purpose  of  cultivating  Natural  History. 
The  members  called  it  the  Lyceum,  in  remembrance 
of  the  school  founded  by  that  sublime  genius  Aris- 
totle, at  Athens.  Disciples  of  the  "  mighty  Stagi- 
rite,"  fhey  determined,  after  his  example,  to  be 
Peripatetics,  and  to  explore  and  expound  the  arcana 
of  nature  as  they  "  walked."  The  western  hemi- 
sphere, and  more  especially  the  United  States, 
offered  innumerable  subjects  for  examination.  The 
air,  the  earth,  and  the  waters,  abounded  with  pro- 
ductions, equally  unknown  to  ourselves  and  to  the 
other  members  of  the  civilized  and  learned  world. 
These  came  to  the  present  generation,  like  the  de- 
scent of  an  ancestral  estate,  a  sort  of  rich  inherit- 
-ance,  in  the  rough,  neither  incumbered  with  debts, 
nor  embellished  with  improvements. 

The  associators  here  have  resolved  to  court  nature, 
and  to  gain  her  arcana  by  assiduity  and  solicitation. 
Knowing  what  a  rich  and  extensive  field  there  is  in 
America,  they  are  determined  to  cultivate  it.  They 
are  aware,  that  no  region  of  the  globe  is  more  fertile 
in  natural  productions,  than  the  region  around  New- 
York  city  ;  yet  there  is  very  little  known  of  these  to 
the  scientific  world.  A  bat,  a  stickleback,  a  wild 
cat,  and  an  autumnal  plant,  (vernonia,)  are  all  the 
animal  and  vegetable  productions  recollected  as  re- 
ceiving their  specific  name,  Noveboracencis,  from 
New-York.  It  is  time  to  elevate  the  character  of  a 
country  so  abundant  and  diversified. 

The  researches  of  her  members  are,  nevertheless, 
not  confined  to  domestic  articles;  they  extend  to  the 
whole  terraqueous  globe.  The  Lyceum  has  already 
among  its  articles,  the  fossil'  mastodon,  of  New- 
York,  the  right  whale,  of  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  the 
sword  fish,  of  Sandy-IIook,  the  new  kinds  of  carp 
and  pike,  from  the  Wall-Kill,  and  the  white  wild 
sheep  of  the  rocky  mountains  beyond  the  sources 
of  the  Missouri.  They  have  the  fossils  of  the  Hud- 
son and  the  Mohawk,  to  the  northern  and  western 


TO  THE  CITY  OV  NEW-TORK.  1GI 

lakes,  replete  with  shells  and  other  organic  remains, 
such  as  pectinites,  cardiums,  lerrabratulas,  artho- 
cerites,  and  even  the  back  bones  and  scales  of  stur- 
geons. The  greater  part  of  the  tract  from  New- 
York  city  to  Montreal,  and  from  Albany  to  Niagara, 
abounds  with  these  relics  of  former  living  beings. 

The  Lyceum  has  taken  measures  for  completing  a 
catalogue  of  the  vegetables  growing  within  100  miles 
of  the  city.  A  committee  consisting  of  C.  W.  Edd}r, 
M.  D.  Mr.  John  Torry,  and  J.  Knevels,  have  made 
great  advances  in  this  important  undertaking.  The 
travelling  committees  of  the  Lyceum,  to  the  Fishkiii 
and  Kaatskill  mountains,  and  to  the  interjacent  re- 
gion, have  presented  reports,  observations,  and  dis- 
coveries that  would  do  honour  to  any  society. 
Among  these,  the  papers  of  C.  S.  Rafmesque,  Esq. 
merit  distinguished  approbation.  The  herbaniums 
are  replete  with  undescribed  plants,  beyond  any  ex- 
pectation or  belief.  There  is  reason  to  suppose  this 
authentic  list  will  be  ready  for  publication  in  the 
course  of  the  present  season. 

The  members  are  chiefly  in  the  vigour  of  life,  ar- 
dent in  the  pursuit  of  natural  science,  and  votaries 
of  honourable  fame.  The  president  is  Samuel  L, 
Mitchell.  C.  W.  Eddy  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Schaeffer, 
are  vice-presidents.  It  may  be  said  of  this  Society, 
in  the  words  of  Virgil,  "  Fervet  opus,  redolentque 
thy  mo  fragantia  melia." 

The  American  Museum.  This  is  the  individual 
property  of  Mr.  J.  Scudder,  and  occupies  the  wes- 
tern division  of  the  Institution.  Although  the  col- 
lection of  animals  and  other  natural  curiosities  here 
exhibited,  is  not  extensive,  they  will  be  found  much 
superior,  in  point  of  preservation  and  arrangement, 
to  most  exhibitions  of  the  kind.  The  proprietor  has 
a  happy  talent  for  this  branch  of  the  arts,  and  an 
excellent  taste  ;  added  to  which,  he  is  uncommonly 
zealous.  These  are  qualifications  which  must  ac- 
complish almost  anv  enterprise.  Accordingly,  after 
I  2 


102 


THE  STRANG E^S  GUIDE 


eight  years  incessant  labour,  and  at  an  enormous 
expense,  Mr.  Scudder,  without  legislative  aid,  lias 
so  far  perfected  Ins  Museum,  as  to  command  the 
attention  of  the  best  informed  part  of  the  community, 
while  it  affords  to  all  a  pleasing  and  permanent 
source  of  amusement. 

The  hall  of  the  Museum  is  on  the  second  story, 
and  enters  by  a  neat  staircase  at  the  west  end  of  the 
building-.  It  is  94£  feet  long-,  41 2  wide,  and  10£ 
feet  high;  well  aired  and  well  lighted.  At  the  up- 
per end  there  is  a  space  laid  out,  the  whole  breadth 
of  the  room,  to  resemble  a  forest,  in  which  there  are 
about  80  quadrupeds,  birds,  vipers,  &c.  Among 
these  is  the  Wood  Ibis,  3  feet  high;  a  white  Fox, 
from  the  coast  of  Labrador ;  a  black  Racoon,  from 
the  Missouri  river;  the  spotted  Boa,  18  feet  2  inches 
long,  from  South  America ;  two  species  of  Otters  ,- 
the  Hoop  or  Pine  Snake,  8  feet  in  length  ;  the  great 
Rattle  Snake,  and  the  S.  American  Ostrich,  6  feet 
high. 

The  rest  of  the  collection  occupies  164  glazed 
eases,  placed  in  the  centre  of  the  room,  containing 
upwards  of  600  varieties  in  all  the  departments  of 
■  Natural  History.  The  most  remarkable  of  the  qua- 
drupeds in  this  part  of  the  arrangement  are  the 
Cougar  or  North  American  Panther;  the  Royal 
Tigress  of  Asia  with  her  three  whelps ;  the  white  Po- 
lar Bear,  of  Greenland ;  and  the  Coata,  or  African 
vVild  Man  of  the  Wood.  The  Cougar  is  a  large 
and  beautiful  animal,  measuring  from  the  end  of  the 
tail  to  the  snout,  about  9  feet.  It  is  a  native  of  the 
Kaatskiil  and  Alleghany  mountains,  and  is  much 
dreaded  by  the  Indians.  It  makes  great  havoc 
,among  the  deer  and  domestic  animals,  and  is  very 
rapid  in  its  movements.  It  frequently  lodges  in  the 
branches  of  trees,  from  which  it  springs  upon  its 
prey,  and  it  will  cross  rivers  and  break  through  in- 
cisures in  pursuit  of  food.  The  Tigress,  when 
alive,  weighed  326  lbs.    She  was  brought  to  this 


TO  THE  CITY  Of  NEW-YOitK. 


103 


country,  with  the  male,  in  1805,  by  a  vessel  belong- 
ing- to  Salem,  Massachusetts.  On  the  1st  June 
1809,  she  produced,  in  this  city,  the  three  whelps 
exhibited  with  her,  and  in  February  following  she 
was  choaked  by  accident,  with  a  bone  of  beef.  The 
male  is  still  alive,  and  forms  part  of  a  collection  of 
living  animals  exhibited  in  different  parts  of  the 
Union. 

There  is  a  case  containing  upwards  of  40  Turtles, 
among  which  is  the  Leather  Turtle,  caught  6  years 
ago,  about  30  miles  off  Sandy- Hook.  After  it  was 
taken,  this  extraordinary  animal  weighed  upwards 
of  800  lbs  ;  it  had  lost  a  great  deal  of  blood,  and  was 
supposed  originally  to  have  weighed  1000  lbs.  It 
measures  13  feet  in  circumference,  8  feet  two  in- 
ches between  the  extremities  of  the  fins,  and  the 
body  is  7^  feet  long.  There  are  two  small  turtles, 
one  with  2  heads  and  6  legs,  and  the  other  remark- 
able from  its  having  been  found  in  the  solid  rock, 
when  blowing  a  well  at  Newburgh,  on  the  Hudson 
river.  It  is  called  the  Snapping  Turtle.  A  male 
and  female,  and  the  foetus  of  the  Vampire  or  Ternate 
Hat  of  Java,  are  preserved  in  another  case,  and 
measure  upwards  of  4  feet  between  the  extremity  of 
the  wings. 

Among  the  birds  there  is  the  Crowned  Heron,  the 
Vermilion,  or  Red  Curlew,  the  Armed  Rail  of  South 
America  and  Africa,  Chinese  Pheasants,  Black  Swan, 
of  Botany  Bay,  Toucans  of  South  America,  Great 
Widow  bird  of  Africa,  male  and  female,  Cock  of  the 
Rock,  or  Rock  Manakin,  Mino  of  Java,  Milk  White 
Robin,  the  Tropic  Bird,  male  and  female  Pelicans, 
Snow  Goose,  male  and  female,  from  Lake  Ontario, 
Snow  Owl,  and  the  King  Bird  of  Paradise,  the  only 
one  for  exhibition  in  the  Union. 

There  is  a  collection  of  Minerals  and  Ancient  Coins 
in  the  gallery ;  thousands  of  rare  and  beautiful  Shells; 
and  a  variety  of  Insects  in  a  fine  state  of  preservation. 

The  proprietor  is  daily  adding  to  the  number  of  his 


104 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


curiosities,  of  which  the  above  is  but  a  specimen.  He 
attends  almost  constantly  himself  at  the  Gallery  to 
show  the  collection,  and  strangers  may  pass  an  hour  or 
two  here  with  considerable  satisfaction.  Admittance 
25  cents. 


There  are  four  places  of  confinement  in  New- York 
city;  3  for  felons  and  one  for  debtors.    These  are 


State  Prision.  This  is  an  extensive,  convenient, 
and  strongly  built  structure  of  the  Doric  order,  situa- 
ted at  Greenwich,  about  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the 
City  Hall,  and  occupying  one  of  the  most  healthy  and 
pleasant  spots  on  the  banks  of  the  Hudson.  It  is  con- 
structed of  free  stone,  the  windows  being  grated  with 
iron  for  security.  It  is  two  stories  high  of  15  feet 
each,  besides  the  basement,  and  has  a  slated  roof.- — 
Rising  from  the  centre  there  is  a  neat  cupola,  in  which 
a  bell  is  hung.  The  centre  of  the  principal  front,  to- 
wards Washington-street,  is  projected  and  surmount- 
ed be  a  pediment,  as  is  also  the  west  front.  The 
whole  front  measures  204  feet  in  length,  and  there  are 
four  wings  which  extend  backwards  towards  the  river. 
The  buildings  and  yards  cover  4  acres  of  ground,  and 
the  whole  is  enclosed  by  a  stone  wall  of  23  feet  high 
on  the  side  of  the  river,  and  14  feet  in  the  front. 

There  are  54  rooms  for  prisoners,  12  feet  by  18, 
each  of  them  large  enough  to  accommodate  8  persons. 
The  centre  of  the  building  is  appropriated  to  the  use 
of  the  Inspectors,  Agents,  Keeper,  and  Assistants. 
In  the  North  wing  is  a  chapel  fitted  up  with  galleries. 
In  the  South  wing  is  the  dining  hall,  over  wrhich  is  a1 
large  apartment,  allotted  to  prisoners  who  work  at 
shoemaking.  On  the  second  floor  of  the  North  West 
wing  there  is  an  hospital,  and  on  the  ground  floors  oi 


PRISONS. 


1.  State  Prison, 

2.  Penitentiary, 


3.  Bridewell, 

4.  Jail. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK. 


105 


the  first  South  and  North  wing-s  there  are  two  kitch- 
ens for  the  use  of  the  prisoners. 

Adjoining-  the  end  of  each  wing,  there  is  a  building- 
of  stone,  two  stories  high,  containing"  7  cells  on  the 
upper  floor  for  solitary  confinement.  They  measure 
8  feet  long-,  6  wide,  and  14  high,  and  the  windows  are 
8  feet  from  the  floor. 

In  the  yards  are  the  different  workshops  of  the  pris- 
oners. These  are  constructed  of  brick  ;  are  spacious, 
airy,  and  well  adapted  to  the  purpose.  Here  all  the 
prisoners,  except  shoemakers,  the  sick,  the  females, 
who  are  kept  by  themselves,  and  a  few  men  who  are 
selected  as  assistants,  are  employed  during-  the  day  in 
their  different  occupations.  The  whole  prison  is 
abundantly  supplied  with  water,  and  there  is  a  bath 
for  the  use  of  the  prisoners  during  the  hot  season. — 
There  is  also  a  kitchen  garden  inside  the  walls,  which 
produces  medicinal  herbs  and  veg-atables  in  great 
abundance ;  besides  store  houses,  saw  pit,  cellar,  ice 
house,  smoke  house,  fire  engine  house,  pumps,  and  a 
number  of  convenient  places  for  storing  fuel  and  oth- 
er essential  purposes.* 

No  convict  whose  sentence  is  below  three  years 
imprisonment  is  admitted  into  this  prison.  On  en- 
trance, a  prisoner  is  immediately  stripped,  washed  and 
cleaned,  and  then  dressed  in  a  new  shirt,  trowsers,. 
shoes  and -stockings.  After  a  description  of  his  per- 
son &c.  is  entered  in  the  prison  book,  he  is  immedi- 
ately put  to  work,  and  kept  at  hard  labour  agreeably 
to  his  sentence.  In  summer  the  rooms  are  unlocked 
at  6  o'clock  in  the  morning;  in  winter  at  day-light, 
when  the  prisoners  are  called  to  work,  at  which  they 
continue  till  6  o'clock  in  the  evening,  allowing-  suffi- 
cient time  for  their  meals,  which  are  three  every  day. 
On  the  beat  of  a  drum,  at  9  o'clock  in  summer,  and  8 


*  For  a  more  particular  description  of  the  exterior  and  interior  con- 
struction of  this  building ,  see  '  A  View  of  the  New-Tork  State  />m#r<Jk 
published  in  1815,  by  T.  &  J.  Swords,  160  Pearl-street 


100 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


o'clock  in  winter,  they  retire  to  bed.  Every  thing"  is 
conducted  with  the  greatest  decorum  and  silence, 
and  those  who  are  remarked  for  good  behaviour  are 
allowed  many  indigencies.  The  branches  of  trade 
established  in  the  prison  for  the  emplovment  of  the 
prisoners  are  the  following",  viz :  shoemaking,  weav- 
ing, brushmaking",  turners,  coopers,  blacksmiths, 
tailors,  painters,  carpenters,  carding",  spinning,  and 
whip  making*. 

In  summer,  the  prisoners  are  dressed  in  jacket  and 
trowsers  of  cotton  and  linen  stripe,  and,  in  winter, 
of  striped  woollen  cloth,  with  variations  of  colour  if 
they  have  been  more  than  once  committed.  They 
breakfast  on  cocoa  sweetened  with  molasses  ;  dine  on 
soup  made  from  coarse  pieces  of  beef,  shins,  &c.  thick- 
ened with  rice  or  beans ;  and  sup  on  mush  and  mo- 
lasses, or  bread  and  molasses.  Once  a  week  they  have 
a  pork  dinner ;  generally  plenty  of  potatoes  ;  and  as  a 
reward  for  particular  instances  of  industry,  many  of 
the  workmen  frequently  receive  a  pint  of  beer. — In 
cold  weather,  the  prison  is  kept  comfortably  warm ; 
and  when  any  one  is  affected  by  sickness,  the  most 
prompt  and  efficacious  remedies  are  applied.  The  edu- 
cation of  youth  and  of  illiterate  adults  is  strictly  attend- 
ed to,  and  measures  adopted  to  instil  good  principles 
into  the  minds  of  all,  by  which  alone  a  thorough  refor- 
mation, the  chief  end  of*  all  punishment,  can  be  obtain- 
ed. In  the  accomplishment  of  this  great  object,  the  hope 
of  pardon  is  not  shut  out,  but  rather  encouraged,  to 


*  By  an  act  of  the  Legislature,  passed  Nov  12  1816,  the  inspectors 
of  the  State  Prison  are  authorized  »  in  conjunction  and  by  arrange- 
ments with  the  Corporation  of  the  city  of  New-York,  from  time  to 
time  to  cause  to  be  employed  as  many  of  the  convicts  who  are  capa- 
ble of  bard  labour  as  the  said  inspectors  and  the  said  corporation 
shall  agree  upon  for  that  parp  se,  upon  any  of  the  public  avenues, 
roads,  streets,  or  other  w  rks  in  the  said  city  undei  taken  by  the  said 
corporation  "  and  "  on  any  other  public  works  in  the  counties  of 
Richmond  and  Kings  " 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  107 

those  who  by  an  unequivocal  good  behaviour,  are 
considered  entitled  to  have  the  term  of  their  impri- 
sonment shortened. 

The  management  of  the  affairs  of  this  important  in- 
stitution are  confided  to  seven  Inspectors,  nominated 
by  the  Council  of  Appointment,  and  who  hold  their 
offices  only  during1  pleasure.  They  are  assisted  in 
the  formation  of  regulations,  or  by-laws,  by  the  judges 
of  the  Supreme  Court,  the  Mayor  and  Kecorder  of 
the  city,  the  Attorney  General,  and  District  Attor- 
ney. The  Inspectors  meet  every  Thursday,  and 
two  of  them,  as  a  monthly  committee,  visit  the  pri- 
son twice  a  week.  They  appoint  the  Agent,  Clerks, 
Keepers,  and  Physicians,  and  have  the  whole  charge 
and  custody  of  the  prison.  They  report  annually  to 
the  legislature  the  state  of  the  prison,  the  number  of 
convicts,  and  an  account  of  its  funds.  For  this  trou- 
ble, however,  they  accept  of  no  remuneration :  it  is 
the  voluntary  tribute  of  benevolence  and  humanity. 

The  Agent,  who  has  a  salary  of  2000  dollars  per 
annum,  holds  an  important  situation  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Inspectors,  and  before  entering  on  the  du- 
ties of  his  office  finds  security  for  their  faithful  per- 
formance, and  takes  an  oath  to  the  same  effect  before 
the  Mayor  or  Recorder.  He  superintends  the  pur- 
chase and  sale  of  every  thing  brought  into  and  sent 
out  of  the  prison,  and  is  declared,  by  an  act  of  the 
legislature,  the  only  person  capable  of  being  sued  at 
law,  or  of  suing  others,  relative  to  these  matters. 
He  keeps  regular  accounts  of  all  monies  received 
and  paid  ;  makes  returns,  monthly,  to  the  Inspectors  ; 
and,  on  the  23d  of  February  each  year,  renders  a 
full  account,  upon  oath,  to  the  city  Comptroller  of 
the  whole  of  his  transactions. 

The  Clerk  has  a  salary  of  750  dollars  per  annum, 
with  the  privilege  of  boarding  at  the  prison.  His  du- 
ty is  to  assist  the  Agent  in  making  out  accounts, 
transcribing  minutes,  and  preparing  inventories.  As 
this  is  a  laborious  department,  the  aid  of  the  convicts 


j  08  THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 

is  resorted  to,  several  of  whom  are  usually  employed 
in  it. 

The  Keeper  has  an  annual  salary  of  2000  dollars, 
and  250  dollars  a  year  for  the  accommodation  of  the 
Inspectors.  The  Assistants,  who  are  16  in  number, 
receive  450  dollars  each,  per  annum>  besides  hoard, 
lodging",  and  washing".  No  fees  are  permitted  to  be 
received.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Keeper  to  be  constant 
in  his  visits  through  every  part  of  the  prison,  and  to 
be  careful  that  no  one  escape.  He  has  no  power, 
except  in  attempts  of  that  nature,  to  strike  a  prisoner. 
At  every  meeting  of  the  Inspectors  he  presents  a 
written  report,  containing  the  number  of  prisoners, 
and  those  newly  received  and  discharged,  with  the 
particulars  of  every  occurrence  in  the  prison.  The 
Assistants  are  employed  to  watch  over  the  conduct 
of  the  prisoners,  and  to  be  careful  that  all  the  regula- 
tions are  observed.  In  case  of  default,  they  carry 
the  offender  immediately  before  the  Keeper,  who  is 
empowered  in  certain  cases,  to  order  temporary 
punishment  to  be  inflicted. — One  of  the  assistants, 
selected  by  the  keeper,  acts  as  his  deputy,  for  which 
he  receives  100  dollars  in  addition  to  his  salary. 

Formerly  there  was  a  guard  stationed  round  the 
prison,  consisting  of  a  captain,  sergeant,  2  corporals, 
drummer,  fifer,  and  20  privates,  under  the  direction 
of  the  mayor.  This  has  been  lately  reduced  to  12 
men  and  a  corporal,  who  are  engaged  by  the  keeper, 
and  subject  to  his  command.  The  corporal  receives 
35,  and  the  privates  30  dollars  a  month,  besides  fuel 
for  the  guard-room,  arms,  ammunition,  and  accou- 
trements. There  is  a  watch-house  erected  at  each 
corner  of  the  prison  walls,  from  which  the  guard  can 
see  every  thing  passing  below  and  around.  Besides 
this  regular  guard,  a  company  of  militia  has  been  or- 
ganized, under  the  orders  of  the  commander  in  chief 
of  the  militia,  consisting  of  a  captain,  lieutenant,  en- 
sign, 2  sergeants,  2  corporals,  a  drummer,  fifer,  and  j 
25  privates.    It  is  composed  of  persons  residing  near- ) 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


109 


est  to  the  prison,  who  receive  arms,  &c.  from  the 
public  arsenal,  but  no  pay.  They  are  exempted 
from  all  other  military  duty,  and  from  serving  on 
grand  or  petit  juries.  On  alarm,  or  notice  from  the 
principal  keeper,  they  aid  and  assist  in  defence  of  the 
prison  or  to  prevent  the  escape  of  prisoners. 

Three  physicians,  who  succeed  each  other  month- 
ly, visit  the  prison  weekly.  They  receive  nothing" 
for  their  trouble  except  when  called  in  on  extraor- 
dinary occasions.  A  student,  or  young  practitioner 
of  physic,  who  is  appointed  annually,  resides  constant- 
ly in  the  prison  to  attend  the  sick,  administer  medi- 
cines prescribed  by  the  physicians,  and  report  week- 
ly to  the  Inspectors  as  to  the  health  of  the  prisoners. 
He  receives  no  salary,  but  260  dollars  are  appropri- 
ated annually  for  his  board.  Two  hundred  and  fifty 
dollars  annually  are  allowed  to  the  clergyman  who 
performs  divine  service  in  the  chapel. 

From  the  period  of  the  opening  of  this  prison  in 
1797,  to  31st  Dec.  1814,  the  total  number  of  per- 
sons admitted  was  3062. — Of  these  1199  were  par- 
doned and  378  died.  One  woman,  from  Ireland, 
had  been  committed  Jive  times;  3  other  prisoners 
four  times  ;  33  thrice;  and  218  twice. 

During  the  year  1814  there  was  received  into  the 
prison  2 1 3  convicts ;  1 73  of  whom  were  Americans ; 
13  English;  1  Scots;  15  Irish;  1  French;  1  Ger- 
man ;  3  Nova  Scotia  ;  3  West  Indies  ;  1  Portuguese  ; 
1  Swede  and  1  Dutchman. — Of  this  number  156 
were  convicted  of  grand  larceny;  26  forgery;  7 
burglary;  6  assault  and  battery;  2  arson;  1  biga- 
my ;  2  breaking  prison ;  1  sodomy  ;  1  felony ;  3 
highway  robbery;  1  misdemeanor;  3  perjury;  3 
rape  ;  and  1  robbery. 

At  the  end  of  the  year  1813  the  number  of  prison- 
ers was  496 

Admitted  during  1814  212 

Returned  who  had  escaped  Dec  4th;  1812  1 


K 


709 


no 


THE  STRANGER  S  GUIDE 


Of  these  there  was  discharged  in  1814,  by 
pardon  - 

By  expiration  

Died  


176 
10 

29 

404 


30 


29 


Remained  at  the  end  of  the  year  1814 
45  of  which  were  imprisoned  for  life 
4  for  21  years 
3       20  years 

17  years  and  1  day 
17  years 
15  years 

14  years  and  1  day 
14  years 
12  years 
1 1  years 

10  years  and  1  day 
10  years 
9  years  and  3  days 
9  years  and  1  day 
9  years 

8  years  and  1  day 
8  years 

7  years  and  1  day 
7  years 
6  years 
5  years 

4  j^ears  and  6  months 
4  years 

3  years  and  6  months 
3  years  and  1  month 
3  years  and  10  days 
3  years  and  5  days 
3  years  and  1  day 
3  years. 

Below  we  have  given  a  list  of  the  crimes  punisha- 
ble  by  imprisonment  in  the  State  Prison*.  Treason, 


1 

3 
106 
10 
68 
1 

79 

12 

2 


54 
12 


*  l-.iprisojimcnt  for  Life  Rape;  iobbery:  burglary  :sndomy: 
mamingv  breaking,  into  ami  stealing  &w»  a  dwelling  house;  iojye 


TO  THE  CITY  Of  ^EW-YORK.  1  1  1 

hiurder  and  arson  of  an  inhabited  dwelling1  house, 
were  formerly  the  only  offences  punished  with  death 
in  this  State.  By  an  act  of  the  legislature,  dated 
April  15th  1817,  it  is  enacted  "  that  if  any  prisoner 
confined  in  the  State  Prison,  or  any  other  person, 
shall  wilfully  and  maliciously  set  fire  to  the  said  pri- 
son, or  to  any  of  the  workshops,  or  other  erections 
within  the  walls  thereof,  or  procure  the  same  to  be 
done,  or  aid  or  abet  the  doing-  thereof;  or  shall  be 
guilty  of  an  assault  or  battery,  with  an  intent  to  com- 
mit murder  upon  any  officer  of  said  prison,  such  per- 
son being  thereof  convicted,  shall  be  adjudged  guilty 
of  felony,  and  shall  suffer  death  Sect,  13th. — By  an- 
other section,  convicts  are  authorized  to  be  employ- 
ed on  the  great  canals.  P.especting  these  it  en- 
acted "  that  in  case  any  of  the  said  convicts  shall 
escape  while  so  employed,  as  aforesaid,  and  shall  be 


person  therein  being:  put  in  fear  ;  forcing  the  proof  of  a  deed,  or  'he 
certificate  of  its  being  recorded  ;  forging  public  securities  :  counter- 
feiting gold  or  silver  coins  A  second  oflence  in  committing  arson  of 
an  uninhabited  house,  building,  bam  or  mill,  or  in  forging  a  record, 
deed,  will,  bond,  note,  bill  receipt,  warrant  or  order,  and  ell  offen- 
ces above  the  degree  of  petit  larceny,  not  otherwise  provided  for. 

For  Life,  or  some  shot Ur  period  vntt<e  'Use  etion  of  the  Ccurt. 
Forgingany  record,  charter,  deed,  will  note  or  bill  of  exchange. 

Fo;  Li/  ,*  s'.me  snorter  f.eriod  not  less  t:,m  sevn  years. 
Selling  er  exchanging  a  counterfeit  note:  engraving  any  plate  for 
making  such  notes  :  or  having  such  notes  In  possession  with  intent 
&c  or  blank  unfinished  notes  to  fill  up  and  pass  or  plates  for  forg- 
ing such  notes 

Not  txcex  ding  14  years.  Stealing  a  record.  &c.  Arson  of  an  unin- 
habited, house,  building,  bam,  or  mill  counterfeiting  anj  deed  or 
will  not  affecting  real  estate  bond,  b  11  or  note,  unless  negotiable, 
warrant  or  order,  not  being  a  bill  of  exchange,  endorsement  or  as- 
signment thereof  or  receipt :  a?id  ever)  orfence  above  petit  larce- 
ny, not  otherwise  provided  for.  For  forcibly  marrying:  a  woman 
against  her  will  Poisoning  where  death  do  not  ensue  within  a  year 
and  a  day  A  second  assault  with  irten' ,  to  rob,  murder,  or  com- 
fljit  a  rape    Acknowledging  a  fine,  bail,  &c  in  the  name  of  another; 


112 


TI1E  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


apprehended  and  convieted  thereof,  it  shall  and  may 
be  lawful  for  the  court  where  such  conviction  shall 
be  had,  to  banish  such  convict  or  convicts  from  the 
State,  on  pain  of  death,  if  such  convict  or  convicts 
shall  return  to  this  state,  or  continue  therein^  after 
such  sentence  as  aforesaid."    Sect.  12. 

The  original  cost  of  the  ground,  buildings,  and 
wharf,  was  estimated  at  208.846  dollars.  Since 
then  large  sums  have  been  voted  by  the  legislature, 
from  time  to  time,  out  of  the  public  funds,  to  defray 
the  expenses  of  the  establishment.  Repeated  appli- 
cations for  money,  and  other  circumstances  having 
led  to  a  persuasion  that  the  management  might  be 
conducted  at  less  expense,  the  legislature,  on  17th 
April,  1816,  authorised  commissioners  to  examine 
into  all  matters  relating  to  the  prison,  and  to  report 
"  whether  any,  and  if  any,  what  improvements  may 
be  made  in  the  system  of  conducting  and  managing 


Imprisonment  not  exceeding  10  years.  Aiding  a  prisoner  to  es- 
cape from  the  State  Prison,  or  any  other  prison  convicted  for  felo- 
ny, perjury,  or  subornation  of  perjury  False  swearing  under  the 
insolvent  act,  under  absent  and  absconding  debtor  act  :  Lottery 
managers  swearing  false.  The  like  surveyors  under  the  land  office, 
before  a  commissioner  in  chancery.   In  the  supreme  court. 

Not  exceeding  7  years  Having  in  possession  counterfeit  gold,  or 
silver  coins  with  intent  Nc  Assault  with  intent  to  rob,  murder,  or 
commit  a  rape.    Ser\  ing  process  under  foreign  authority 

Not  exceeding  5  years.  A  second  conviction  of  buying  or  receiving 
stolen  goods,  or  obtaining  money  by  false  pretences  or  accessary 
after  the  fact  to  any  felony  not  otherwise  provided  f  or 

Not  exceeding  3  yea  s  Petit  larceny,  buying  or  receiving  stolen 
goods,  obtaining  money  &c.  by  false  pretences,  or  accessary  after 
the  fact  to  any  felony  not  otherwise  provided  for. 

By  an  act  of  the  legislature,  passed  April  15th,  1817,  it  is  enacted 
*■  that  in  all  cases  of  conviction  for  arceny  which  may  herealter  be 
had  and  made  ,the  same  shall  be  adjudged  petit  larceny,  unless  the 
gouds  so  stolen  shall  be  of  the  value  of  more  than  25  dollars." 

lor  double  the  original  term.  A  convict  for  years  breaking  the 
State  Prison. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  JfEW-YORK.  113 

df  said  institution,  so  as  to  reduce  the  expense 
thereof." 

The  result  of  this  investigation  has  led  to  a  new 
act,  passed  15th  April  last,  by  which  the  former  sys- 
tem has  been  greatly  altered.  Its  principal  enact- 
ments will  not  be  in  operation  till  after  the  31st  Oc- 
tober next ;  but,  in  the  meanwhile,  the  guard,  which 
formerly  cost  the  public  8,500  dollars  per  annum,  has 
been  considerably  reduced,  and  new-modelled.  The 
deputy  keeper,  with  a  salary  of  600  dollars  per  an- 
num, has  been  abolished,  and  one  of  the  assistants 
appointed  depute,  for  which  he  receives  1(j0  dollars. 
Two  assistants  have  also  been  struck  off  the  former 
number.  On  the  1st  of  June  the  prisoners  began  to 
be  supplied  with  provisions  and  hospital  stores  by 
contract  with  the  agent,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Inspectors,  public  notice  having  been  previously  gi- 
ven that  such  supplies  were  wanted. 

After  the  31st  October  next,  no  materials  are  to 
be  purchased  to  be  worked  for  sale  by  the  convicts  on 
account  of  the  state.  In  future,  they  are  to  be  em- 
ployed in  manufacturing  and  making  up  materials 
brought  to  the  prison  by  individuals  or  companies. 
The  Agent  to  purchase  such  materials  for  the  chair- 
makers,  blacksmiths,  carpenters,  machine-makers, 
painters,  and  tailors,  and  such  dye  stuffs,  as  may  be 
absolutely  necesaary,  to  the  extent  of  5000  dollars 
annually.  The  articles  for  sale  presently  belonging 
to  the  establishment,  to  be  completed  and  disposed  of 
by  public  auction,  or  otherwise,  so  that  the  accounts 
may  be  closed  on  31st  October. 

To  encourage  habits  of  industry,  which  the  legis- 
lature has  justly  remarked,  "  is  the  best  preventive 
of  vice,"  the  Agent,  after  31st  October,  is  to  keep  a 
separate  account  for  each  prisoner,  charging  him 
with  the  cost  of  clothing,  provisions,  and  hospital  ex- 
penses, and  giving  credit  for  his  earnings.  This  ac- 
count to  be  closed  quarterly,  and  if  there  is  a  balance 
in  favour  of  the  prisoner,  and  he  has  behaved  well, 
E2 


144 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


20  per  cent  thereof  is  to  be  invested,  at  interest,  in 
some  public  stock,  which  he  is  to  receive  at  the  ter- 
mination of  his  sentence.  In  case  of  death  before 
this,  the  amount  to  be  paid  to  his  widow  or  children  ; 
otherways  it  goes  to  the  treasury.  During- imprison- 
ment and  good  behaviour,  part  of  the  money  may  be 
received  by  the  prisoner's  family. 

By  the  new  act,  prisoners  sentenced  for  five  years 
or  upwards,  who  have  behaved  well,  and  acquired, 
by  their  labour,  15  dollars  per  annum,  to  have  the 
period  of  their  sentence  abridged  one  fourth.  Dis- 
orderly or  disobedient  conduct,  or  any  attempt  to  es- 
cape, forfeits  all  claims  for  money  ;  and  in  no  case  is 
it  allowed  after  a  first  conviction. 

The  great  canal  company  commissioners  are  au- 
thorised in  their  contracts  with  others,  to  stipulate 
for  the  labour  of  the  convicts  on  their  works  when 
they  exceed  450,  for  a  period  not  less  than  six  months, 
during  which  the  state  is  kept  free  of  all  expense  re- 
specting them.  Application  must  be  made  to  the 
governor  of  the  state  when  prisoners  are  wanted  for 
out  door  employment. 

The  new  act  appropriates  20,000  dollars  for  the 
support  of  the  institution,  and  5,000  dollars  for  the 
necessary  repairs  of  the  prison,  to  be  paid  out  of 
the  public  money. 


THE  PENITENTIARY. 

This  building  stands  in  the  rear  of  the  Alms-house 
at  Believue,  and  within  the  same  enclosure.  Like 
the  Alms-house,  it  is  a  plain  stone  structure,  with 
I  slated  roof.  There  is  a  pediment  in  front,  rising  no 
higher  than  the  building,  which  is  three  stories  in 
height.  It  measures  150  feet  in  length,  and  50  in 
width.  At  the  main  entrance,  which  is  on  the 
ground  story,  there  is  a  large  hall,  20£  feet  by  18, 
in  which  there  are  two  apartments  allotted  to  (he 


TO  THE  CITY.  OF  NEW-YORK.  115 

Keeper.  There  are  two  doors  in  the  back  part  of  this 
hall,  which  lead  to  the  prisoners.  A  wall  running; 
across  the  building",  forms  a  division  between  the 
males  and  females,  who  have  each  a  gallery  or  hali 
for  exercise  in  front  of  their  apartments,  36  feet  by 
8.  There  are  4  rooms  for  men  and  4  for  women,  13s 
feet  by  8£,  the  windows  of  which  are  towards  the 
front,  and  properly  secured.  Behind  the  women's 
gallery  there  is  a  kitchen,  33  feet  by  22,  and  a  larder 
and  store  room;  and  behind  the  men's  there  is  a 
mess-room,  38  feet  by  22,  a  cleaning"  room  and  a 
bath.  A  stair  case,  in  the  centre,  leads  to  the  se- 
cond and  third  stories,  which  are  laid  out  nearly  on 
the  same  plan  as  the  first  Besides  the  front  en- 
trance, there  are  two  doors  at  each  end  of  the  build- 
ing", through  which  there  is  access  to  the  halls  of  the 
felons,  the  kitchen,  and  other  apartments. 

This  building  was  .reared  at  the  time  the  Alms- 
house was  constructed,  and  enjoys  all  the  advantages 
of  situation  and  free  circulation  of  air,  peculiar  to 
this  delightful  spot.  By  the  Act  of  the  Legislature 
passed  15th  April,  1314,  it  is  enacted,  "that  one  of 
the  buildings  now  erected  by  the  Mayor,  Aldermen, 
and  Commonalty  of  the  city  of  New-York,  at  Belle- 
vue,  in  the  10th  Ward  of  the  said  city,  shall  be  and 
become  one  of  the  jails  of  the  said  city,  by  the  name 
of  "  The  Penitentiary  of  the  city  of  New- York,"  for 
the  confinement  and  safe-keeping  of  all  persons  con- 
victed of  any  crime  or  misdemeanor,  and  sentenced 
to  confinement  therein  by  the  g-eneral  sessions  of  the 
peace,  in  and  for  the  city  and  county  of  New- York, 
or  any  court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  there ;  and  also 
of  all  persons  committed  thereto  by  the  Mayor,  Re- 
corder, and  Aldermen  of  the  said  city,  or  the  special 
justices  for  preserving  the  peace  in  the  said  city  for 
the  time  being",  or  any  two  of  them."  By  the  same 
Act,  the  Mayor,  &c.  may  "  commit  any  person  who 
may  be  deemed  and  adjudged  a  disorderly  person 
Trithm  the  meaning  of  the  Act,  entitled.  (i  An  Act 


116 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


for  apprehending-  and  punishing  disorderly  persons 
to  the  above  mentioned  Penitentiary,  to  be  kept  at 
hard  labour,  or  any  work  or  employment  therein,  for 
any  period  not  exceeding-  6  months." 

It  is  also  declared  lawful,  in  the  Mayor,  Recorder, 
and  Council,  to  employ  at  labour  on  public  worka* 
such  convicts  as  are  sentenced  to  be  imprisoned  in 
the  city  and  county,  for  offences  under  the  degree 
which  subjects  to  confinement  in  the  State-Prison* 
This  is  a  very  salutary  regulation,  as  it  promotes  one 
of  the  great  ends  of  punishment — public  example  ; 
while  another — general  utility — is  also  kept  up.  The 
compelling  felons  to  work,  is  one  of  the  greatest 
punishments  that  can  be  inflicted  on  them,  and  must 
ultimately  produce  a  beneficial  effect  upon  their  con- 
duct; but  employing  them  on  public  works,  has  this 
additional  advantage,  that  it  deters  others  from  com- 
mitting crimes  which  would  lead  to  so  ignominious 


*  "  All  persons  who  threaten  to  run  away  andileave  their  wives  or 
children  to  the  city  or  town,  and  all  persons  who  shall  unlawfully 
return  to  the  city  or  town  from  whence  they  shall  respectively  have 
been  legally  removed  by  order  ot  two  justices  01  the  peace,  without 
bringing  a  certificate  from  the  city  or  town  whereto  they  respec- 
tively eiong:  and  also  all  persons  not  having  wherewith  to  main- 
tain themselves,  live  idle  without  employment,  and  also  all  persons 
who  go  about  from  door  to  door,  or  place  themselves  in  the  streets? 
highways,  or  passages,  to  bea;  in  the  cit.es  or  towns  where  they 
respectively  dwell,  and  all  jugglers,  and  nil  persons  pretending  to 
have  still  in  physiognomy,  palmistry,  or  like  crafty  science,  or 
pretending  to  tell  fortunes,  or  to  discover  where  lost  "goods  may  be 
found,  and  all  persons  who  run  away  and  leave  their  wives  or  chil- 
dren, whereby  they  respectively  become  chargeable  to  any  city  or 
-  town  :  and  all  persons  wandering  abroad,  and  lodging  in  taverns, 
beer-houses,  out-houses,  market-places,  or  barns,  or  in  the  open  air, 
iifld  not  giving  a  good  accouut  Of  themselves,  and  all  persons  wan- 
dering abroad  and  begging,  and  all  idle  persons  not  having  visible 
means  of  livelihood,  and  all  common  prostitutes,  shall  be  deemed 
a::d  a^j  idged  disorderly  persons."  Revised  Lans  of  Nin-Yvrk, 
rai  Ld,  p.  114. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


117 


an  exposure.  In  the  beginning"  of  August  last  there 
were  280  convicts  in  the  Penitentiary,  150  of  whom 
were  men,  and  130  women.  The  sessions  of  Oyer 
and  Terminer  which  followed,  added  somewhat  to 
this  number,  which  may  nowr  be  estimated  about 
300,  male  and  female.  Of  the  former,  a  consider- 
able proportion  are  employed  in  improving  tHe  roads 
leading-  to  Belle vue,  which  were  formerly  in  a  bad 
state  of  repair. 

The  management  of  the  Penitentiary,  is  entirely 
nnder  the  charge  of  the  Commissioners  appointed  to 
conduct  the  affairs  of  the  Alms-house,  and  the  super- 
intendant,  and  other  officers  of  the  one,  officiates  in 
the  other,  under  similar  rules  and  regulations. 


BRIDEWELL. 

This  building  stands  in  the  park,  on  the  west  side 
of  the  City  Hall.  It  is  a  small  structure  of  grey  stone, 
two  stories  high,  besides  the  basement.  There  is  a 
pediment  in  the  front  and  in  the  rear,  which  are  car- 
ried a  story  higher  than  the  rest  of  the  building.  The 
centre  apartments  are  allotted  to  the  use  of  the 
Keeper  and  his  deputies  In  the  first  floor,  on  the 
right,  there  is  an  apartment  called  the  Long  Room, 
occupied  entirely  by  females,  in  which  there  is  a  di- 
vision to  separate  the  whites  from  the  people  of  co- 
lour. On  the  left  of  the  same  floor  there  is  a  simi- 
lar apartment  for  males,  who  are  all  whites.  On  the 
second  floor  there  are  two  wards,  the  one  called  the 
Upper  Hall,  and  the  other  the  Cluiin  Room,  in  which 
men  are  kept,  and  the  whites  separated  from  the 
blacks,  as  in  the  female  apartment.  The  Upper 
Hall  is  appropriated  to  the  higher  class  of  convicts  ; 
and  the  large  room,  on  the  left  of  the  first  floor,  to 
those  committed  for  trial  at  the  sessions.  In  the 
basement  story,  there  is  an  hospital  for  the  sick, 
which  is  well  aired;  and  cells  for  confining  the  re- 
fractory; but  these  are  seldom  used.    Except  when 


118 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


under  sentence  of  death,  no  fetters  are  applied,  and 
even  then  a  light  iron  is  only  fastened  to  one  leg-  of 
the  prisoner. 

Here,  as  in  the  Penitentiary,  the  prisoners  pick 
oakum,  or  are  employed  on  public  works,  at  the  dis- 
cretion of  the  Mayor,  &c.  The  allowance  of  victuals 
to  each  prisoner  daily  is  half  a  pound  of  beef,  half  a 
pound  of  bread,  and  as  much  Indian  meal  porridge 
anf1  polatoes  as  they  can  consume.  Along  with  the 
porridge,  they  receive  a  portion  of  molasses,  anii  eve- 
ry other  day,  a  dish  of  soup,  in  which  the  beef  has 
been  boiled.  During  cold  weather,  they  are  abun- 
dantly supplied  with  fuel.  The  convicts  are  closely 
confined,  no  person  being  allowed  to  have  access  to 
them  except  the  keeper  or  his  assistants.  Persons 
for  trial  may  be  seen,  and  the  place  visited,  everyday 
at  8  in  the  morning,  at  1  o'clock,  and  at  I  past  6  in 
the  evening. 

At  the  end  of  last  August  sessions  there  were  about 
120  prisoners  remaining  in  Bridewell,  50  of  whom 
were  females.  In  general  the  whites  and  blacks  are 
nearly  equal.  Notwithstanding  the  building  of  the 
Penitentiary,  the  Bridewell  is  too  small  to  contain 
the  number  of  persons  sent  thither.  Within  these 
few  years  the  sessions  used  to  be  held  quarterly, 
when  the  number  for  trial  did  not  exceed  100.  Now, 
they  are  held  on  the  1st  Monday  of  every  month,  and 
the  prisoners  arraig-ned  are  about  170,  on  an  ave- 
rage. Frequently  200  are  tried.  This  increase  of 
culprits  has  pointed  out  the  necessity  of  erecting  anr 
ether  place  of  confinement,  which  it  is  in  contem- 
plation to  build  in  a  more  eligible  situation,  and  to 
clear  away  the  present  Bridewell  altogether.  Mean- 
while, by  the  act  of  the  legislature,  of  15th  April, 
1814,  regulating  the  new  Penitentiary,  it  is  enacted, 
"that  the  part  of  the  Bridewell  of  the  city  of  New* 
York,  which  is  now  established  and  used  as  the  jail 
of  the  said  city,  for  the  confinement  and  safe  keeping 
of  all  persons  charged  with,  or  convicted  of  any  crime 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK. 


119 


or  misdemeanor,  except  persons  sentenced  to  impri- 
sonment in  the  State  Prison,  shall,  after  the  above- 
mentioned  building"  at  Bellevue  becomes  the  Peniten- 
tiary of  the  said  city  as  aforesaid,  continue  to  be  the 
jail  of  the  said  city,  for  the  confinement  and  safe 
keeping  of  such  persons  as  shall  be  specially  commit- 
ted thereto  ,  or  sentenced  to  confinement  therein,  and 
especially  of  all  persons  committed  to  prison  in  the 
said  city  for  ofFences  against  the  United  States." 

The  direction  of  the  city  Bridewell  is  under  the 
control  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  Alms-house  and 
Penitentiary.  There  is  a  principal  keeper,  whom 
they  appoint,  with  an  annual  salary  of  600  dollars, 
besides  perquisites,  which  consist  of  six  shillings  for 
the  discharge  of  every  prisoner :  two  Deputies,  who 
receive  400  dollars  each  annually ;  and  a  physician, 
who  also  attends  the  Jail,  and  for  both  services  is 
paid  400  dollars  a  year.  Considering  the  crowded 
state  of  this  abode  of  wretchedness,  it  is  remarkably 
clean  and  healthy.  This,  in  a  great  measure,  is 
owing  to  the  prisoners  being  compelled  to  wash  their 
apartments  out  regularly  and  frequently. 


JAIL,  OR  DEBTORS'  PRISON. 

The  jail  for  the  confinement  of  debtors  stands  in 
the  Park,  on  the  east  side  of  the  City  Hall,  nearly 
adjoining  to  Chatham-street.  It  is  a  small  stone 
building,  nearly  square,  three  stories  in  height,  with 
ja  cupola  rising  from  the  centre.  The  entrance  is  on 
the  south  side  of  the  building.  The  front  part  of  the 
[first  story  has  an  outer  and  inner  lobby,  from  which 
| a  staircase  ascends  to  the  top  of  the  building.  The 
apartments  on  both  sides  of  the  lobbies  are  appro- 
ipriated  to  the  use  of  the  jailor  and  his  family,  and 
turnkeys.  On  the  first  floor  there  is  a  long  gallery, 
bn  each  side  of  which  there  is  three  wards  for  prison- 
ers. The  second  floor  is  constructed  in  the  same 
hnanner,  excepting  that  the  greater  part  c>  the  one 


120 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


side  of  the  gallery  is  fitted  up  as  a  chapel,  in  which 
prayers  are  read  every  Thursday.  One  of  the  wards 
is  allotted  for  females,  who  are  locked  up  during 
their  confinement.  The  prison  is  open  from  6*  o'clock 
in  the  morning  till  sunset,  during  which  there  is  con- 
stant access  to  the  place. 

There  is  no  settled  allowance  in  this  jail  for  the 
prisoners,  nor  have  they  even  bedding.  But  the  Hu- 
mane Society  has  benevolently  stepped  forward  to 
their  relief,  and  allows  each  poor  prisoner  half  a 
pound  of  meat,  3  pints  of  soup,  2  potatoes,  and  an 
Indian  corn  meal  dumpling,  every  24  hours.  During 
winter,  they  frequently  receive  donations  of  firewood, 
and  make  up  any  deficiency  among  themselves.  The 
health  of  the  prisoners  is  greatly  promoted  by  their 
having  permission  to  walk  on  the  roof  of  the  building 
at  all  seasonable  hours.  The  use  of  spirituous  liquors 
is  prohibited  by  the  legislature  in  all  the  prisons  of 
the  state.  About  the  beginning  of  August  last,  there 
were  only  34  men  and  1  woman*,  prisoners,  inside 
the  walls.  Outside,  and  within  the  limits,  there  were 
between  5  and  600.  This  prison  has  not  so  clean  an 
appearance  as  it  ought  to  have.  The  turnkeys  wash 
it  out  twice  a  week.  Considering  the  vast  number 
of  visitors,  this  ought  to  be  done  as  often  every 
izy.  Why  should  not  a  regulation  to  that  effect  be 
introduced?  It  might  be  expected  that  the  prisoners 
themselves,  for  their  own  comfort,  would  be  more 
attentive  to  this  virtue. 

By  an  act  of  the  legislature,  passed  April  15th, 
1817,  it  is  enacted,  that  any  person  confined  in  this 
prison  for  a  debt  not  exceeding  25  dollars,  exclusive 
of  costs,  upon  applying  to  any  judge  or  justice  of  the 


*  By  an  act  of  the  legislature  of  5th  April,  1813.  it  is  enacted  "that 
do  female  person  shall  be  imprisoned  upon  execution,  in  any  civil 
action  for  debt  or  damages  hereafter  to  be  brought,  in  any  court 
whatsoever,  in  which  the  debt  or  damages  recovered  shaU  not,  exclm 
live  of  costs,  amount  to  more  rhan  50  dollars." 


Tt>  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK,  121, 

,  and  making  oath  that  his  real  or  personal  estate 
does  not  exceed  in  value  25  dollars,  over  and  above 
the  articles  exempted  by  law  from  seizure  in  execu- 
tion, is  entitled  to  be  set  at  liberty.  His  person  can- 
not be  again  attached  for  the  same  debt,  but  his  pro- 
perty may.  Persons  charged  in  execution  for  debts 
to  a  greater  amount  than  25  dollars,  after  remaining 
in  prison  3  calendar  months,  must,  in  order  to  obtain 
their  liberty,  present  a  petition  to  the  court  whence 
the  process  issued  upon  which  they  were  imprisoned, 
setting  forth  the  cause  of  imprisonment,  and  accom* 
panying  this  with  a  true  state  of  their  affairs,  and  an 
account  of  ail  their  property,  which  they  must  give 
up  upon  oath  for  the  benefit  of  their  creditors,  with 
the  exception  only  of  their  necessary  wearing  appa- 
rel, bedding,  and  working  tools,  not  exceeding  50 
dollars' in  value.  If  there  is  no  objection  to  the  fair- 
ness of  this  statement,  the  debtor  is  immediately  dis- 
charged from  custody,  and  the  property  only  which 
he  may  afterwards  acquire,  attachable  for  his  debts, 
if,  after  remaining  3  months  in  prison,  he  does  not 
apply,  as  directed  by  the  act,  for  his  release,  the  cre- 
ditor on  whose  suit  he  wis  imprisoned,  may  then  re- 
quire him  by  a  written  notice,  to  exhibit  his  accounts, 
and  assign  his  property  to  his  creditors.  This  he 
must  comply  with  before  the  elapse  of  30  days,  oth- 
erwise he  is  "  for  ever  barred  from  obtaining  sucb 
discharge*." 

The  limits  of  the  city  Jail  extend  to  about  160 
acres.  The  judges  of  the  common  pleas  or  Mayor's 
court,  may  alter  or  change  these  as  often  as  they 
deem  it  necessary.  Permission  to  reside  in  the  lim- 
its may  be  obtained  for  50  cents,  and  finding  proper 
security  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Jailor;  but  this  is 
only  granted  after  judgment  has  been  obtained. 
Persons  arrested  for  debt  previous  to  judgment,  se~ 

*  There  is  now  in  New-York  Jail,  a  person  who  has  for  thru  year 
reTuStd  to  comply  with  ths  requisition  of  life  creditor* 
L 


V22 


THE  STRANGER'S  CtflDE 


cure  thrir  liberty  by  finding  bail  for  their  appear- 
ance. The  High  Sheriff  is  Jailor  by  virtue  of  fiis 
office.  He  is  also  the  public  executioner.  At  pre- 
sent the  duties  of  jailor  are  well  discharged  by  the 
Depute  Sheriff,  assisted  by  two  Turnkeys,  whom  lie 
appoints,  and  who  are  paid  a  salary  oi  15  dollars  each 
per  month.  By  act  of  thfi  legislature,  of  6th  April 
1813,  it  is  enacted  "  that  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful 
for  the  gaoler  of  the  gaol  of  the  city  and  county  of 
IVew-York,  to  ask,  demand,  and  receive  of  and  from 
every  person  committed  to  his  custody  within  the 
said  gaol,  upon  or  by  virtue  of  any  warrant,  execu- 
tion, mittimus,  or  commitment,  issued  out  of,  or  from 
the  court  of  the  justices  of  the  peace,  in  and  for  the 
city  of  New-York,  for  any  sum  exceeding  25  dollars, 
fifty  cents,  and  also  the  like  fees  for  bringing  up  a 
prisoner  by  any  rule  or  order  of  any  court  as  are  now 
allowed  by  law  to  a  sheriff  for  bringing  up  a  prisoner 
on  habeas  corpus  ia  civil  causes." 


BOARD  OF  HEALTH. 

The  members  of  this  establishment  hold  their  meet- 
ings in  a  room  adjoining  the  Mayor's  office  in  the 
City  Hall.  The  health,  and  prevention  of  infectious 
diseases,  appear  to  have  been  objects  that  attracted 
the  particular  notice  of  the  legislature  at  a  very  early 
period.  As  far  back  as  1758,  a  law  was  passed  upon 
the  subject,  by  the  colonial  assembly,  which  was 
continued  by  several  enactments  till  March  26th 
1813,  when  the  whole  were  consolidated  in  one  act, 
entitled  "  an  act  to  provide  against  infectious  and 
Pestilential  Diseases,"  and  Commissioners  of  Health 
•appointed  to  carry  its  provisions  inlo  effect.  As 
this  act,  however,  more  immediately  regarded  vessels 
arriving  from  for  -gn  parts,  and  placing  these,  the 
passengers,  and  crew,  under  the  operation  of  the 
quarantine  laws*,  the  Corporation  of  the  city  have, 


•  See  Append ix,  for  this  a:?. 


TO  THE  CITY  OP  NEW-YORK.  123 

from  time  to  time,  authorized  the  establishment  of 
many  saiutary  regulations,  for  the  special  purpose  of 
preventing  epidemical  diseases. 

In  order  to  give  these  greater  weight,  a  Board  of 
Health  has  been  instituted,  consisting  of  the  Com- 
missioners of  the  Health  office ;  and  of  the  Mayor, 
Recorder  and  Aldermen  of  the  city ;  whose  duty  it 
is  to  "  make  diligent  inquiry  with  respect  to  all 
nuisances  that  may  exist,  and  which  they  may  deem 
obnoxiou :  to  the  health  and  lives  of  the  inhabitants 
of  this  city.''  Power  is  given  them  to  remove  these 
at  pleasure  and  to  open  one  or  more  hospitals  for 
the  accommodation  of  the  sick,  and  to  employ  Phy- 
sicians, and  nurses,  and  provide  medicines  and  other 
necessaries  for  them,  all  at  the  publie  expense. 

This  Board  may  also  order  the  removal,  from  the 
city,  of  all  persons  and  things,  infected  by,  or  tainted 
with  pestilential  matter.  The  city  Inspector  is 
bound  to  execute  the  orders  of  the  board,  and  all 
persons  refusing  to  comply  with  these,  are  subject 
to  a  penalty  of  250  dollars.  Distinct  from  this  Board, 
and  by  the  common  law,  the  Corporation  has  pro- 
mulgated a  body  of  "  Laws  and  Ordinances, "  in 
which  all  matters  of  police  ;  and  every  thmg  con- 
nected with  the  comfort,  and  convenience  of  the 
citizens,  is  regulated*.  To  these  excellent  munici- 
pal laws,  may  in  a  great  measure,  be  attributed  the 
health  and  longevity,  now  enjoyed,  to  a  greater  de- 
gree than  at  any  former  period,  by  the  inhabitants  of 
New- York.  The  infectious  and  alarming  disorder 
so  prevailing  here,  which  unrelentingly  swept  away 
thousands  in  a  few  days,  and  for  which,  it  was  long 
supposed,  no  radical  remedy  existed,  has  not  made 
its  aopearance,  nor  any  symptoms  of  it,  in  this  city 
since  the  year  1805.  Even  wet  seasons,  which  used 
to  be  considered  most  favourable  to  the  introduction 
of  this  disease,  carry  rone  of  those  terrors  with  them 


*  See  Appendix,  for  an  Abstract  of  these  regulations-. 


124 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


that  formerly  appalled  the  human  heart.  How  can* 
soling*  this  is  to  the  friends  of  humanity  ;  how  gratify- 
ing" to  those  by  whose  efforts  a  disorder  so  dreadful 
has  been  disarmed  of  its  pestilential  powers,  and,  for 
«ver,  it  is  hoped,  banished  from  these  delightful  re- 
gions*. 


LITERARY  ESTABLISHMENTS. 

Besides  Columbia  College,  and  the  other  literary 
and  philsophical  establishments  noticed  in  this  work., 
there  are  some  of  a  more  subordinate  nature,  deserv- 
ing our  notice,  the  avowed  object  or  tendency  of 
which  is  the  promotion  of  literature.  These  may  bti 
classed  under  the  following  heads,  viz : 

1.  Newspapers. 

2.  Magazines  or  periodical  journals. 

3.  New-York  Society  Library. 

4.  Reading  Rooms. 

5.  Booksellers. 

6.  Private  Schools  and  Academies. 

7.  Philological  Society. 

Newspapers.  During  the  sway  of  the  Dutch,  their 
governor  was  instructed,  by  the  mother  country,  not 
to  allow  a  printing  press  to  be  used.  It  was  not  till 
1693  that  one  was  permitted  ;  and  the  first  newspaper 
did  not  make  its  appearance  till  16th  October,  I725f. 
These  interesting  and  cheap  vehicles  of  public  intel- 
ligence, useful  instruction,  and  amusing  anecdote, 


*  The  commonweal:  h  of  New- York,^ about  10  years  ago,  purchas- 
ed about  30  acres  of  land  on  the  East  side  of  c  taten  Island  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  sick,  and  for  the  detention  of  such  vessels  as 
were  too  foul  for  admission  to  the  wharves  of  the  city  The  ground 
is  situated  beautifully  on  the  side  of  a  hill  :  and  the  neat  and  com- 
modious appearance  of  the  dwelling  houses,  stores,  hospitals  fences 
and  other  Improvements,  is  very  agreeable,  especially  to  those  whu. 
have  just  arrived  from  sea.    Picture  of  Nnv-l'ork  hi  1807, />•  193. 

t  Trans,  of  N.  Y.  L\t  and  RhUfi.  Sockt:;,  Vu\  I.  V  3ty 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


125 


are  now,  however,  numerous,  and,  in  many  instances, 
conducted  with  considerable  ability.  The  advocates 
of  the  federal  and  republican  cause,  are  nearly  ba- 
lanced ;  and  although  the  editors  are  at  full  liberty 
t  o  animadvert  upon,  and  even  censure,  the  measures 
of  government,  they  are  liable  to  an  action  at  law,  for 
damages,  where  they  defame  private  individuals,  or 
falsely  attribute  unjust  practices  to  persons  holding* 
public  situations.  The  maxim  "  the  greater  the  truth 
the  greater  the  libel,"  has  no  countenance  here.  If 
the  President  of  the  United  States  himself,  was  guilty 
of  an  act  of  turpidity,  there  is  no  attorney  general  or 
special  jury,  to  shelter  him,  by  ex  officio  manoeuvres, 
from  the  consequences  of  his  crime.  The  law,  as  it 
always  ought  to  be,  knows  no  distinction  of  persons, 
and  those  to  whom  the  execution  of  it  is  delegated, 
have  too  much  respect  for  the  public  will,  the  source 
of  all  equitable  laws,  to  show  any  partiality  for  those 
in  power.  He  that  conducts  a  newspaper,  therefore, 
in  this  country,  can  do  it  without  the  dread  of  a  dun- 
geon, the  pillory,  or  being  ruined  in  his  fortune  by 
excessive  fines,  imposed  by  an  omnipotent  govern- 
ment.*   To  avoid  these,  all  he  has  to  study  is  truth  ; 


*  The  following  is  the  law,  which  regulates  all  prosecutions  for 
libel,  enacted \y  the  legislature  of  the  state  of  IN  ew  York,  April 
6th,  1805 

Whertas  doubts  exist  whether  on  the  trial  of  an  indictment  or 
information  for  a  libel,  the  jury  have  a  right  to  give  their  \erdict 
on  the  whole  matter  in  icsue. 

I.  Be  it  theiefore  declared  and  enacted,  &c.  that  on  every  such 
indictment  or  information,  the  jury  who  shall  try  the  same  shall 
have  a  .ightto  determine  the  law  and  the  fact,  anderthe  direction 
of  the  court,  in  like  manner  as  in  other  criminal  cases,  and  shall 
not 'be  directed  or  requ  red  by  the  court  or  judge,  before  whom 
such  indictment  or  information  shall  be  tried,  to  find  the  defendant 
guilty  merely  on  the  proof  of  the  publication  by  the  defendant  of 
the  matter  charged  to  be  libellous  and  of  the  sense  ascribed  there- 
to in  such  indictment  or  inform*  ion  :  provided  n  verthelets,  Tha^ 
nothing  herein  contained  shall  be  held  or  taken  ti  impair  or  de= 


126 


THE  STRAJ»CER13  GUIDE 


and  if  he  conducts  his  journal  with  ability,  no  matted 
on  what  side,  he  will  unquestionably  find  his  interest 
in  doing  so.  The  newspapers  published  in  New- York 
are, 


itroy  the  right  and  privilege  of  the  defendant  to  apply  to  the  court 
to  have  the  judgneat  arrested,  as  hath  heretofore  been  practised 

II.  That  in  every  prosecution  for  writing  or  publishing  any  li- 
"bel,  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  defendant,  upon  the  trial  of  the  cause, 
'ogive  in  evidence  in  h's  defence,  the  iruih  of  the  matter  contain- 
ed in  the  publication  charged  as  libellous ;  provided  always,  that 
such  evidence  shall  not  be  a  justification,  un!e?s,  on  the  trial  it 
shall  be  further  made  satisfactorily  to  appear,  that  the  matter 
charged  as  libellous,  was  published  with  good  motives,  or  for  justi- 
fiable ends. 

III.  That  auy  person  or  persons  who  shall,  after  the  passing  of 
this  act,  be  convicted  of  wri'iug  or  publishing  a  libel,  such  person 
or  persons  shall  not  be  sentenced  to  an  imprisonment  exceeding 
the  term  of  eighteen  months,  or  to  pay  a  fine  exceeding  the  sun; 
t>[  5000  dollars 

IV.  That  from  and  after  the  passing  of  this  act,  it  shall  not  be 
lawful  to  prosecute  any  person  or  pei  sorts  by  information,  f.r  wri- 
ting or  publishing  any  ISbeh 


National  Advocate, 
i  Columbian. 
Herald. 
Spectator. 
>  Exile. 
Shamrock. 
Moniture,  French. 
Museum. 

Cobbett's  Reg-ister. 


Weekly, 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORE.  127 

Magazines  or  periodical  journals.  The  first  work 
of  this  description  was  published  in  1752,  under  the 
title  of  the  Independent  Reflector.  It  was  a  weekly 
production,  and  in  the  form  of  essays.  "  Although 
at  this  day  there  appears  nothing*  exceptionable  in 
them,  yet  they  did  not  suit  the  temper  of  the  times; 
they  excited  the  resentment  of  some  of  the  leading 
men,  and  a  clergyman  denounced  the  writer  from  the 
pulpit,  and  compared  him  to  Gog"  and  Magog".  The 
printer  was  finally  menaced  into  a  discontinuance  of 
the  publication,  and  it  expired  with  the  52d  num- 
ber."* 

The  Medical  Repository,  a  quarterly  publication, 
was  begun  in  1797,  by  the  present  distinguished  Dr. 
Mitcrjsll,  to  whom  literature  and  the  arts  and  sci- 
ences owe  so  much,  and  the  deceased  Drs.  Smith  and 
Miller.  Dr.  Mitchell  has,  for  some  time,  been  assist- 
ed in  his  labours  by  Drs.  Pascalis  and  Akerfv.  The 
18th  volume  of  this  work  was  completed  in  May  last. 
No.  L  of  volume  19  was  published  on  the  1st  of  Au- 
gust. The  whole  work  is  replete  with  important  and 
interesting"  information  respecting*  the  natural  aud 
medical  history  of  the  United  States.  Its  pages  also 
are  devoted  to  a  review  of  new  publications  in  every 
branch  of  literature. 

A  work  entitled  c;  The  American  Monthly  Maga- 
zine" possessing*  also  the  character  of  a  Review,  com- 
menced on  the  1st  of  May  last.  It  was  announced  iu 
the  prospectus,  that  "  this  work  is  wholly  unconnect  - 
ed with  either  religious  or  political  controversy,"  It 
is  a  monthly  publication ;  has  been  well  received ; 
and,  we  have  no  doubt,  will  continue  to  meet  with  due 
encouragement  by  inculcating"  liberal  and  philoso- 
phic principles. 

To  the  above  may  be  added  The  Christian  Herald. 
a  work  devoted  to  the  promotion  of  the  interests  of 
religion.    This  is  a  weekly  publication,  which  com- 


*  Trans,  of  Lit.  and  Philo.  Society  of  IS  T, 


TIIE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


menced  in  March,  1816,  and  has  now  extended  to 
three  volumes.  It  professes  to  give  correct  informa- 
tion as  to  Bible  Societies,  foreign  and  domestic; 
Missionary  Societies,  of  all  persuasions;  Tract  Soci- 
eties ;  Sunday  Schools ;  benevolent  and  philanthropic 
institutions;  and  every  thing  connected  with  the 
state  of  the  Christian  religion  throughout  the  world. 
The  vain  glorious  faction  in  Europe,  who  embrace 
every  opportunity  of  deteriorating  America,  have  in- 
sisted much  upon  the  few  literary  works  produced  in 
the  United  States  as  being  an  undeniable  proof  of  the 
want  of  talent  in  the  natives.  It  is  true  that  the 
original  literary  productions  of  this  country  have 
not  been  numerous.  But  it  is  also  the  fact,  that 
many  of  those  works  possess  merit  entitling  them  to 
as  high  a  rank  as  those  published  in  Europe  on  the 
same  subjects.  As  to  their  limited  number,  it  will 
not  surely  be  pretended,  that  a  people,  who  have 
not  been  50  years  free  from  the  paralising  influence 
of  foreign  despotism,  should  all  at  once,  as  if  by  en- 
chantment, become  a  nation  of  scholars  and  authors. 
The  institutions  under  which  they  formerly  lived, 
benumbed  their  faculties,  and  compelled  them  to 
occupy  their  minds  with  objects  very  opposite  to 
those  of  literature.  Amidst  all  the  deprivation  of 
liberty  in  Europe,  it  was  never  attempted  to  put 
down  the  press  in  toto.  Here  it  would  have  been  a 
crime,  and  that  not  many  years  ago,  to  have  ventur- 
ed to  set  up  a  press.  How  unreasonable,  then,  is  it 
to  censure  the  inhabitants  of  the  United  States,  be- 
cause they  have  not  hitherto  displayed  acquirements, 
which  they  have  been  prevented  from  attaining,  by 
circumstances  entirely  beyond  their  control. 

Besides,  as  the  Presidentjof  the  Literary  and  Philo- 
sophical Society  has  pertinently  remarked,  "  in  Europe 
there  is  a  literary  corps,  who  are  authors  by  profession. 
Here  we  have  scarcely  any  person  of  this  description, 
and  we  have  not  much  vernacular  literature.  The 
consequences  axe  obvious :  while  books  are  written 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  129 

across  the  Atlantic  as  a  matter  of  course,  they  are 
here  the  offspring"  of  some  accidental  direction.  There 
the  seed  is,  at  all  events,  thrown  into  the  ground,  and 
the  harvest  is  reaped  ;  while  here  we  rely  upon  the  for- 
tuitous produce  of  the  chase,  or  the  occasional  supplies 
of  the  si  ream.  This  condition  of  things  has  inculcated 
upon  us  the  vast  superiority  of  Europe,  and  has  made 
Us  despair  of  successful  competition.  America  leans 
for  literary  support  upon  Europe,  and  we  have  been 
too  much  in  the  habit  of  estimating-  the  value  of  books 
by  the  place  of  their  origin.  The  time  will  surely 
arrive  when  an  eminent  American  author  shall  be  no 
longer  considered  an  anomaly,  deriving  his  celebrity 
more  from  the  singularity,  than  the  merit  of  his  pro- 
ductions." 

New-York  Society  Library.  This  society  has  a 
valuable  establishment  in  Nassau-street.  It  was 
originally  formed  in  1740,  by  an  association  of  private 
gentlemen,  who  subscribed  the  sum  of  five  pounds 
each,  and  agreed  to  pay  ten  shillings  annually  for  the 
purchase  of  books.  In  November  1772,  their  funds 
amounted  to  six  hundred  pounds  currency,  and  on 
the  25th  of  that  month,  they  obtained  a  charter  from 
the  colonial  government,  by  which  they  became  a 
corporate  body.  The  society  continued  to  flourish 
till  the  Revolution,  when  the  British  troops  who 
were  then  in  possession  of  New-York,  like  the  Sa- 
racens of  old,  ransacked  the  library,  though  private 
property,  and  destroyed  or  carried  away  all  the 
books,  amounting  to  about  3,000  volumes. 

The  termination  of  the  contest  in  favour  of  liberty, 
led  to  the  re-establishment  of  this  important  institu- 
tion. On  18th  February  1789,  a  law  was  passed, 
by  which  the  original  charter  was  confirmed,  and 
full  operation  given  to  all  its  provisions.  Since  then 
the  managers  have  been  authorised  by  the  Legislature 
to  increase  the  price  of  a  share  in  the  concern  to  $40, 
and  the  annual  subscription  has  been  raised  to  $  2  50. 
The  books  now  belonging  to  the  institution  amount  to 


130 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


about  14,000  volumes,  many  of  which  are  extremely 
rare.  Their  value  is  estimated  at  upwards of  40,000 
dollars,  and  the  lot  and  building  in  which  they  are 
contained  at  20,000  dollars  additional. 

The  affairs  of  the  IN  ew- York  Society  Library  -ire 
under  the  management  of  12  trustees,  the  number 
originally  fixed  by  the  charter.  These  continue  for 
one  year  in  office,  and  the  election  takes  place  on 
the  last  Tuesday  of  April,  annually.  Seven  trusted 
form  a  quonri:  for  transacting  business.  There  is 
also  a  secretary,  treasurer,  and  librarian,  who  are 
appointed  by  the  trustees. 

RendirLg-Rooms.  There  is  only  one  institution  of 
this  sort  in  the  city.  It  was  criminally  founded  by 
Mr.  Sargeant  the  bookseller,  under  whose  active 
management  it  flourished,  till  his  declining  health, 
and  the  difficulty  of  procuring  books  from  Europe, 
occasioned  by  the  war,  led  to  its  abandonment.  Af- 
ter several  fruitless  attempts  to  revive  it,  a  plan  on 
a  similar  scale  was  projected,  in  1813,  by  Messrs.  J. 
Eastburn,  8$  Co.  which  has  since  been  carried  into 
effect,  and  promises  considerable  success.  For  the 
purpose  of  accommodating  subscribers,  theyhave  fitted 
up  very  commodious  apartments  in  Broadway,  cor- 
ner of  Pine-street,  and  published  an  account  of  the 
establishment,  to  be  had  gratis,  and  to  which  we  re- 
fer for  a  more  enlarged  detail  respecting  its  object, 
and  the  literary  works  introduced  by  the  proprietors. 
Strangers  are  admitted  free  for  one  week,  if  intro- 
duced by  a  subscriber,  or  if  they  have  an  introduc- 
tion from  the  proprietor  of  any  similar  establisment 
in  the  Union. 

Booksellers.  This  trade  has  greatly  increased  of 
late  years,  and  is  much  benefitted  by  the  duty  im- 
posed on  imported  books  and  paper.  Although  paper 
may  not  be  manufactured  here  at  as  low  a  rate  as  in 
England,  owing  to  the  high  price  of  labour,  yet  the 
duty  laid  on  by  the  government  in  that  country,  and 


TO  THE  CITY  OP  SEW- YORK. 


131 


the  expense  of  transporting*  it  thither,  added  to  the 
impost  here,  renders  the  English  paper  as  dear  as 
that  manufactured  in  ^he  United  States,  while  the 
quality,  in  many  instances,  is  equal  to  that  produced 
in  Eritain.  Booksellers  and  authors  in  America  are, 
therefore,  not  only  able  to  cope  with  foreigners  in 
bringing  out  original  works,  but  they  can,  and  do 
reprint  books  published  in  other  countries,  upon 
nearly  the  same  terms,  which  they  actually  sell  at  a 
much  lower  rate,  to  the  entire  exclusion  of  foreigners 
in  this  market.  Books  und  pamphlets  have  literally 
become  a  luxury  in  England,  in  consequence  of  the 
enormous  duties.  Here,  the  government  has  done 
what  it  could  to  lessen  the  price,  by  exempting  from 
duty  all  rags  imported ;  and  the  booksellers  have,  in 
general,  shewn  a  disposition  to  second  the  intentions 
of  Congress,  by  adopting  a  more  oeconomical  mode 
of  publication  than  is  followed  in  England. 

Private  Schools  and  Academies.  These  are  nu- 
merous and  increasing  daily.  No  place  in  the  world 
is  better  adapted  for  the  education  of  youth  than  this 
city. 

Philological  Society.  This  association  meets  every 
Tuesday  evening  in  Ely's  school-room,  Frankfort- 
street.  It  was  formed  on  5th  November  1808,  for 
the  purpose  of  promoting  discussions  on  literary  and 
moral  topics.  All  religious  and  political  subjects 
•are  excluded.  Members  pay  one  dollar  on  admis- 
sion, and  25  cents  monthly  thereafter,which  is  applied, 
after  paying  necessary  expenses,  to  the  purchase  of 
books,  maps,  or  pamphlets,  for  the  use  of  the  so- 
ciety. The  books,  &c.  are  now  valued  at  500 
dollars. 

The  business  of  the  institution  is  conducted  by  a 
president,  vice-president,  treasurer,  secretary,  as- 
sistant-secretary, recorder,  librarian,  and  a  com 
mittee  of  S.neirners. 


13* 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDK 


FREE  SCHOOLS. 

"By  an  act  of  the  legislature  of  this  Slate,  dated  J  ine 
19th,  1812,  a  superintendent  of  Common  School*  w 
authorised  to  be  nominated  by  the  Council  of  Appoint- 
ment, to  reside  at  Albany  ;  and  also  to  appoint  com- 
missioners, for  the  purpose  of  raising-  a  fund  to  aid  and 
establish  free  or  common  schools  in  all  the  counties 
of  the  State.  This  fund  consists  of  the  proceeds  of 
the  vacant  and  unappropriated  lands  of  the  State  to 
the  extentof  half  a  million  of  acres;  of  "  all  surplus 
monies  that  may  be  received  into  the  treasury  from 
the  several  clerks  of  the  Supreme  Court,  for  the  fees, 
perquisites,  and  emoluments  of  their  respective  of- 
fices;'1 and  of  certain  sums  of  money  "  directed  to 
be  paid  into  the  treasury  by  the  Bank  of  America, 
and  the  City  Bank  of  New-  York*.1 '  The  application 
of  this  money  has  given  rise  to  avast  number  of  free 
schools  throughout  the  State.  The  original  act,  how- 
ever, having  been  found  very  defective,  it  was  repeal- 
ed, and  the  one  now  existing  passed  April  15th,  1814. 

Free  Schools  JVb.  /,  If,  and  HL  The  first  of  these 
schools  was  incorporated  April  9th,  1805,  and  the 
second,  April  1st,  1808;  not  in  consequence,  of 
course,  of  the  common  school  act,  but  by  voluntary 
subscription,  and  for  the  purpose  of  educating  such 
poor  children  as  did  not  belong  to,  or  were  not  pro- 
vided for  by  any  other  religious  Society.  Since  the 
passing  of  the  common  school  act,  however,  these  in- 
stitutions have  been  chiefly  supported  out  of  the  fund 

*  This  fund  in  1813,  amounted  to  half  a  million  of  do'ltrs.  and 
produced  an  annual  revenue  of  36,000  dollars  —Stafford's  Gazetteer. 
The  editor  of  the  Hevised  Laws  of  New-Yoik  observes,  that 
44  there  feems  to  be  no  general  provision  in  England  for  encou- 
ragement of  schools."— In  this  he  is  orrect  ;  but  parochial 
schools,  supported  by  the  different  parishes,  have  been  lopg  esti 
TiTlshed  in  Scotland* 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  133 

Set  apart  by  the  legislature.  One  of  these  schools 
stands  in  Chatham-street,  and  the  other  in  Henry- 
street.  No.  III.  is  not  yet  built;  but  as  ground  has 
been  voluntarily  granted  by  the  inhabitants  of  Man- 
hattan, and  the  legislature  has  appropriated  $2000 
for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a  school,  nothing  now 
stands  in  the  way  of  its  speedy  completion. 

The  mode  of  education  adopted  in  these  schools  is 
that  of  Joseph  Lancaster,  The  management  is  in  the 
hands  of  trustees,  who  report  annually  to  the  legisla- 
ture, and  by  a  late  act,  an  annual  subscription  of  24 
dollars  entitles  any  person  to  be  a  member  or  trus- 
tee. From  the  last  report  of  the  trustees,  dated  May 
9th,  1817,  it  appears,  that  in  school  No.  I,  there  were 
then  557  scholars,  and  in  No.  II,  458.  During  the 
preceding  year,  the  whole  number  of  children  admit- 
ted into  both  schools  was  815  ;  and  the  number  dis- 
charged 788.  The  receipts,  including  a  former  ba- 
lance of  627  dollars  87  cents,  amounted  to  6702  dol- 
lars 95  cents,  and  the  expenditure  was  4347  dollars 
6  cents. 

The  property  and  funds  of  the  corporation  consist, 
at  present  of  a  balance  in  the  Treasurer's  hands  of 
350  dollars  6  cents  ;  of  50  shares  in  the  capital  stock 
of  the  Globe  Insurance  Company ;  of  2000  dollars  in 
the  7  per  cent.  State  Stock ;  of  the  two^school-housos, 
with  the  lots  on  which  they  stand ;  of  a  lot  on  the 
corner  of  Hudson  and  Christopher  streets,  granted 
by  the  Corporation  of  Trinity  Church ;  and  of  the 
money  derived  from  the  bounty  of  the  legislature. 
Last  year  there  was  received  from  the  City  Corpo- 
ration, for  State  annuity,  1500  dollars;  and,  as  pro- 
portion of  common  school  fund,  3428  dollars  48  cents. 
To  this  may  be  added  the  lots  in  the  eastern  parts  of 
the  city,  and  the  2000  dollars  lately  granted  for  the 
purpose  of  establishing  a  third  School. 

By  an  act  of  the  legislature,  passed  April  5th  1817, 
it  is  enacted,  that  any  surplus  fund  belonging  to  this 
corporation  shall,  in  future,  be  applied  to  the  mstruc- 
M 


134 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


tion  of  school-masters  on  the  Lancastrian  plan,  and 
to  the  erection  of  school-houses. 

In  connection  with  the  above,  there  is  an  associa- 
tion of  Females,  who  devote  their  attention  to  the 
instruction  of  their  own  sex.  It  has  existed  about 
18  years,  and  the  number  of  young  girls  educated 
annually  amount  to  between  3  and  400.  The  funds 
of  this  institution  are  in  a  flourishing"  way,  as  it  is 
paid  annually  a  considerable  sum  out  of  the  common 
school  fund.  Last  year,  it  received  1335  dollars  84 
cents,  and  the  private  subscriptions  amounted  to 
621  dollars.  Of  this  association  the  report  of  the  trus- 
tees of  the  Free  School  Society  states,  that  "  it 
continues  to  be  pre-eminent  in  usefulness,  and  to 
acquire  new  claims  to  the  respect  and  confidence  of 
the  community.  Under  a  full  conviction  that  the  ob- 
jects of  its  care  possess  advantages  superior  to  any 
which  this  society,  under  the  present  organization  of 
its  schools,  can  afford  to  the  female  scholars,  the 
trustees  have  entered  into  an  arrangement  with  the 
directors  of  the  association,  by  which  the  girls  belong- 
ing to  school  No.  I.  are  to  be  hereafter  taken  under 
their  charge,  and  an  additional  apartment  is  furnish- 
ed for  their  accommodation." 

The  affairs  of  the  female  school  society  are  con- 
ducted by  directresses,  a  treasurer  and  secretary. 
In  addition  to  reading  and  writing,  the  girls  are 
taught  needle  work,  and  the  trustees  of  the  Free 
School  Society  have  gratuitously  granted  them  the 
use  of  their  school  rooms. 

There  is  also  a  Free  School  established  by  the  Me- 
thodists, upon  the  Lancastrian  plan.  It  is  situated  in 
Forsyth  Street,  and,  at  present,  there  are  about  120 
boys  and  80  girls  receiving  education  in  this  estab- 
lishment. The  funds  are  respectable,  and  the  man- 
agement is  similar  to  that  followed  in  the  other  Free 
Schools. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK.  135 


PUBLIC  AMUSEMENTS. 

Besides  the  Museum  and  Academy  of  the  Fine 
Arts,  of  which  we  have  given  an  account  under  the 
general  title,  "  The  New-York  Institution,"  there 
are  several  other  places  of  amusement  where  money 
for  admission  is  received.  These  consist  of 

1.  The  Theatre, 

2.  Vauxhall  Garden, 

3.  The  Circus, 

4.  The  Gallery  of  Paintings, 

5.  The  Mechanical  Panorama, 

6.  The  Naval  Panorama. 

The  Theatre.  This  building  stands  in  Chatham 
Street,  immediately  opposite  to  the  Park.  It  is  a 
large  and  substantial  stone  and  brick  structure,  well 
adapted  for  the  drama,  which  is  liberally  supported 
in  New-York.  The  outside  of  the  building  is  rather 
plain,  but  in  fitting  up  the  interior,  much  taste  has 
been  displayed,  and  it  is  so  arranged  that  the  perfor- 
mers and  the  stage  are  seen  with  great  advantage 
from  all  parts  of  the  house.  The  hand  of  the  artist  is 
obvious  in  the  painting  of  the  scenery,  which  is 
much  in  unison  with  the  performances;  and  the 
excellent  construction  of  the  machinery  is  apparent 
in  the  great  facility  with  which  it  is  worked. 

The  house  will  hold  2,500  spectators,  and  many  of 
the  performers  are  possessed  of  talents  which  rank 
them  high  in  their  profession.  Some  of  them  might 
even  be  considered  a  valuable  acquisition  if  connect- 
ed with  many  of  the  first  rate  theatres  in  England. 
During  the  revolutionary  war,  and  while  the  English 
troops  held  possession  of  New- York,  the  characters 
in  the  drama  were  frequently  supported  by  the  officers 
of  the  enemy,  which  rendered  the  theatre  a  very 
fashionable  resort.  Nor  did  it  lose  any  of  its  attrac- 
tions after  the  establishment  of  peace ;  the  subse- 
quent managers  having  found  it  their  interest  t<r 


130 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


engage  respectable  performers,  and  to  bring  out 
such  pieces  as  were  suitable  to  the  taste  of  a  liberal 
and  enlightened  audience.  For  some  time  previous 
to  the  year  1U04,  the  management  was  in  the  hands 
of  Mr.  Dunlap,  who  was  originally  by  profession  a 
portrait  painter,  and  who,  to  the  knowledge  neces- 
sary to  qualify  him  for  his  new  situation,  added  the 
rare  and  enviable  talents  of  dramatic  writer  and 
translator  of  foreign  dramas.  These  he  frequently 
and  successfully  emplo}'ed  for  the  public  entertain- 
ment. Mr  Dunlap  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  Cooper 
as  manager,  and  joint  lessee  with  Mr.  Price.  Mr. 
Cooper  stili  occasionally  performs  in  New-York,  in 
the  higher  walks  of  tragedy,  in  which  he  is  un- 
rivalled here ;  but  the  business  of  the  theatre  is  now 
conducted  by  Mr.  Price  and  Mr.  Simpson.  The 
house  is  generally  open  from  1st  September  to  4th 
July. 

Vauxhall  and  other  Public  Gardens.  Vauxhali 
garden  is  situated  near  the  top  of  the  Bowery,  and 
is  a  pretty  general  resort.  Music  and  fire-works  are 
the  principal  attractions.  In  the  centre  of  the  gar- 
den there  is  an  equestrian  figure  of  Washington, 
and  the  orchestra,  erected  in  the  midst  of  trees,  has 
a  romantic  effect.  The  garden  is  well  laid  oui.,  and 
the  booths  and  boxes  for  the  accommodation  of  vi- 
sitors, are  conveniently  and  tastefully  fitted  up. 
There  are  a  number  of  other  gardens  in  the  city  and 
neighbourhood,  to  which  the  inhabitants  resort  dur- 
ing the  summer  evenings,  and  regale  themselves 
with  fruit,  wine,  liquors,  and  confectionaries. 

The  Circus.  This  is  a  large  wooden  building  near 
the  stone  bridge  in  Broadway,  erected  only  in  August 
last.  It  is  called  the  "  New  Circus,''  there  having 
been  former  attempts  to  establish  a  place  of  amuse- 
ment of  this  description  here,  but  without  effect. 
The  present  is  under  the  guidance  of  Mr.  West, 
who,  if  he  does  not  meet  with  better  success  than 
his  predecessors,  will  not  have  to  blame  himself  foi> 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  FEW-YORK.  137 

want  of  variety  of  entertainments.  Astonishing* 
horsemanship;  wonderful  performances  on  the  tight 
rope  and  slack  wire  ;  the  wonderful  liliputian  poney ; 
the  flying*  horseman  and  the  hunted  tailor,  are  the 
principal  items  in  the  bill  of  fare  with  which  that 
equestrian  entertains  all  ranks,  and  excites  the  won- 
derment of  the  inhabitants  of  this  populous  city. 

Gallery  of  Paintings.  This  valuable  collection  of 
antique  paintings  and  prints  is  the  property  of  Mr. 
PafF,  who  has  neither  been  sparing  of  cost  nor  labour 
to  render  his  exhibition  worthy  the  patronage  of 
the  public.  This  gentleman  first  opened  a  gallery 
in  Broadway,  during-  1811,  from  which  he  removed 
in  May  last  to  more  convenient  and  extensive  pre- 
mises in  Wall-street,  formerly  occupied  by  the 
Custom-house.  The  collection  consists  of  upwards 
of  300  original  paintings  and  sketches,  and  of  up- 
wards of  2,000  etchings  and  engravings,  by  the  most 
eminent  and  celebrated  masters,  chiefly  of  the  old 
school.  Among  the  paintings  there  are  some  extremely 
rare  and  valuable.  The  Last  Supper,  an  undoubted 
original  by  Titian,  is  in  great  estimation  by  the  best 
judges.  The  inside  of  a  Prison,  by  Teniers,  is  very 
unique,  and  in  a  high  state  of  preservation.  Mary 
Magdalene  at  the  foot  of  the  cross,  and  the  Virgin 
Mary  inside  the  tomb,  are  two  of  the  best  produc- 
tions of  Carlo  Dolce.  This  artist  was  celebrated  for 
painting  divine  subjects,  in  which  he  was  unrivalled. 
For  delicacy  and  pleasing  tone  of  colour,  these  two 
pictures  rank  among  the  finest  specimens  of  the  arts 
in  this  country.  The  Scourging  of  Christ,  by  Titi- 
an ;  the  Carrying  to  the  tomb%  by  Dominico  ;  and  the 
Birth  of  Chrut,  by  Ludiviro  Carracci,  are  exqui- 
site specimens  of  the  talents  of  these  distinguished 
masters.  St.  Peter  in  Prison,  is  considered  by  con- 
noisseurs as  the  finest  picture  in  the  collection. 

The  Consecration  of  the  Cards,  painted  about  300 
years  ag-o  by  Albert  Duror,  is  very  rare  and  in  high 
preservation.    There  is  a  curious  representation  $n 
M2 


138 


THE  STRANG  EK/b  GUIDE 


rawed  work,  of  the  Taking  down  from  the  Cross.. 
in  which,  though  cut  in  wood,  a  remarkable  and 
striking"  expression  of  countenance  is  given  to  the 
whole  groupe  of  figures. 

A  Battle  of  the  Boyne,  by  PalamadUz,  is  an  un- 
commonly higti  finished  and  transparent  picture;  and 
an  Architectural  Piece,  representing1  the  inside  of  a 
Turkish  Mosque,  by  Peruzsi,  is  highly  attracting 
from  its  beautiful  perspective.  There  is  a  delightful 
Landscape  by  Rubens,  and  a  very  uncommon  Flower- 
piece  by  Baptist  c. 

Among  the  portraits  is  a  sketch  of  Grotius  by 
Vandyke;  a  portrait  of  Marshal  Turemte,  by  Ru- 
bens; Vandyke  painted  by  himself;  a  fine  picture  of 
Frederick  the  Great,  painter  unknown  ;  a  portrait  of 
Prince  J\Ioy*ris,  by  Mirevelt;  and  two  curious  pic- 
tures of  king  James  I.  and  his  wife,  by  Com.  Tassan. 
The  only  modern  picture  in  the  room  is  "  Love  with- 
out success,"  by  the  proprietor  Mr.  Paff.  This  is  a 
virgin  painting,  Mr.  P.  having  never  attempted  any 
thing  of  the  kind  before  nor  since. 

Mr.  Paff  is  a  man  of  liberality  as  well  as  taste. 
He  gives  free  admission  to  all  professional  artists, 
and  has  intimated  that  their  works  shall  have  an 
eligible  situation  in  his  gallery.  A  single  admission 
25  cents.  Subscribers  3  dollars  per  annum  ;  a  lady 
and  gentleman  4  dollars ;  two  ladies  and  one  gentle- 
man 5  dollars  ;  and  a  whole  family  8  dollars,  for  the 
came  period. 

Mechanical  Panorama.  This  ingenious  piece  of 
mechanism,  is  exhibited  in  Broadway.  It  is  a  very 
pleasing  artificial  curiosity,  representing,  in  perspec- 
tive, and  in  motion,  an  extensive  commercial  city. 
The  figures  moving  along  the  streets ;  mechanics  at 
w  ork  in  different  parts  on  the  buildings ;  carriages, 
Sic.  driving  along  the  bridges;  ships  entering  and 
departing  from  the  ports  ;  all  seem  to  be  animated  or 
guided  by  the  principle  of  life,  and  give  in  miniaturer 
a  pretty  correct  idea  of  the  reality. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  133 

AavaJ  Panorama.  In  this  \  libition,  the  pro- 
perty of  Mr.  Scuddef  of  the  S  tuseum,  there  is  a  col- 
lection of  paintings  represcr'  the  followteg  naval 
victories.-  1.  Engagement  Between  the  U.  S.  frigate 
United  States  and  H.  B.  M.  frigate  Hie  Macedonian. 

2.  Boarding-  of  the  Frolic  by  the  U.  S.  shir)  Wasp. 

3.  Surrender  of  IT.  B.  M.  frigate  Guerriere  to  the  U. 
S.  frigate  Constitution.  4.  Destf  action  of  the  Peacock 
by  the  U.  S.  ship  Hornet.  Aho  Cosmoraroa  of  Bo- 
man  Antiquities,  consisting  of  views  of  the  most 
splendid  and  ancient  edifices  of  that  city  ;  the  palace 
of  St.  Cloud,  with  moving-  figures ;  and  a  cabinet  of 
wax  work,  natural  curiosities,  &c.  This  collection 
is  exhibited  at  No.  21  Chatham-street.  Prepara- 
tions are  in  progress  to  remove  the  Naval  Panorama 
to  the  Institution,  when  it  will  form  an  interesting" 
appendage  to  the  Museum. 


THE  BATTERY  WALK,  BOWLING  GREEN. 

AND  PARK. 

The  Battery  Walk.  This  is  the  most  delightful 
promenade  in  the  city.  It  is  an  open  space  on  the 
south  west  point  of  the  island,  to  which  every  one 
has  access.  The  view  from  this  spot  embraces  the 
whole  of  the  bay,  with  the  numerous  vessels  riding 
at  anchor,  or  in  full  sail  to  and  from  the  Narrows ; 
the  islands  and  fortifications,  which  defy  the  ap- 
proaches of  the  enemies  of  the  country ;  and  the  en- 
chanting and  fertile  shores  of  Jersey  and  Nassau 
Island.  It  is  the  most  healthy  walk  that  can  be  ima- 
gined. The  intense  heat  of  the  sun  in  summer, 
which  compels  most  people  to  keep  within  doors,  is 
here  greatly  moderated,  and  even  rendered  tolerable, 
by  the  fresh  sea  breezes,  which  almost  constantly 
blow  upon  this  favourite  spot,  to  regale  and  invigo- 
rate its  visitors.  To  such  as  wish  to  enjoy  the  shade, 
the  wide  spreading  foliage  of  the  trees,  immediately 


140 


THE  stranger's  ClIDE 


adjoining,  affords  a  cool  and  refreshing  retreat.  Ou 
the  national  anniversary,  the  citizens  resort  here  in 
great  numbers,  to  regale  themselves  in  booths  erected 
tor  the  purpose,  and  the  military  parades,  which  have 
been  frequent  here,  tend  greatly  to  enliven  the 
scene. 

Originally  this  point  of  land  was  fortified  by  the 
Dutch,  who  threw  up  embankments,  upon  which  they 
placed  some  pieces  of  cannon.  "  In  process  of  time 
it  came  to  be  pleasantly  overrun  by  a  verdant  carpet 
of  grass  and  clover,  and  their  high  embankments 
overshaded  by  wide  spreading  sycamores,  among 
whose  foliage  the  little  birds  sported  about,  rejoicing 
the  ear  with  their  melodious  notes.  The  old  burghers 
would  repair  of  an  afternoon  to  smoke  their  pipes 
under  the  shade  of  their  branches,  contemplating  the 
golden  sun  as  he  gradually  sunk  in  the  west,  an  em- 
blem of  that  tranquil  end  toward  which  themselves 
were  hastening ;  while  the  young  men  and  the  dam- 
sels of  the  town  would  take  many  a  moonlight  stroll 
among  these  favourite  haunts,  watching  the  silver 
beams  of  chaste  Cynthia  tremble  along  the  calm  bo- 
som of  the  bay,  or  light  up  the  white  sail  of  some 
gliding  bark,  and  interchanging  the  honest  vows  of 
constant  affection.  Such  was  the  origin  of  that  re- 
nowned walk,  the  battery,  which  though  ostensibly 
devoted  to  the  purposes  of  war,  has  ever  been  con- 
secrated to  the  sweet  delights  of  peace.  The  favour- 
ite walk  of  declining  age ;  the  healthful  resort  of  the 
feeble  invalid  ;  the  Sunday  refreshment  of  the  dusty 
tradesman;  the  scene  of  many  a  boyish  gambol;  the 
rendezvous  of  many  a  tender  assignation ;  the  com- 
fort of  the  citizen ;  the  ornament  of  New-York,  and 
the  pride  of  the  lovely  island  of  Mannahata*." 

Bovjlmg  Green,  This  is  a  circular  inclosed  piece 
of  ground  at  the  bottom  of  Broadway,  near  the  Bat- 
tery Walk.    Formerly  it  was  a  place  of  amusement 


*  Knickerbocker. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK,  141 

for  the  citizens,  who  used  to  play  here  at  ball,  quoit s, 
and  other  diversions.  These,  however,  have  been 
prohibited  by  an  sict  of  the  Corporation,  which  ex- 
tends also  to  the  Battery  Walk  and  Park.  Previous 
to  the  Revolution,  a  gilt  statue  of  George  III.  stood 
on  a  pedestal  in  the  centre  of  the  Bowling  Green. 
On  the  commencement  of  hostilities,  this  statue,  being 
of  lead,  was  melted  down,  converted  into  cannon 
balls,  and  used  in  the  cause  of  liberty  against  the 
soldiers  of  that  monarch.  The  pedestal,  which  is  of 
stone,  still  remains  within  the  enclosure. 

The  Park,  This  is  a  very  elegant,  pleasant,  and 
fashionable  resort.  Its  extent  is  about  4  acres,  and 
its  situation,  in  the  middle  of  the  city,  on  the  right 
hand  as  we  ascend  Broadway,  renders  it  easy  of  ac- 
cess. Rows  of  trees  are  planted  round,  and  on  many 
places  of  the  park,  which  is  interspersed  with  walks, 
that  afford  a  cool  and  agreeable  shade  from  the  heat. 
The  whole  is  enclosed  with  a  railing,  in  which  there 
are  a  number  of  gates,  through  which  access  may  be 
had  at  all  hours.  The  City  Hall  greatly  enhances 
the  beauty  of  the  place,  and  as  it  is  in  contemplation 
to  remove  the  Jail  and  Bridewell,  which  at  present 
occupy  a  considerable  part  of  the  grounds,  to  some 
other  quarter,  these  improvements  will  greatly  add 
to  the  attractions  of  a  spot  already  so  highly  and  de- 
servedly prized  by  the  citizens. 


MARINE  BATHS. 

These  beneficial  establishments  are  situated  on  the 
banks  of  the  Hudson  ;  and,  in  the  bathing  season, 
are  much  resorted  to  by  the  citizens  of  New- York. 
There  are  two  baths  belonging  to  different  proprietors. 
The  oldest  established  is  at  the  bottom  of  Murray- 
street  ;  the  other  at  Arden's  wharf  near  the  Battery, 
The  situations  chosen  for  these  baths  are  considered 
superior  to  any  others  on  account  of  the  purity  of  the 


142 


THE  6TRANGER1S  GUIDE 


water;  and,  from  the  buoyant  principle  upon  winch 
they  are  constructed,  they  are  easily  raised  out  of 
the  water,  when  necessary,  to  be  cleansed,  or  fixed 
at  any  depth,  at  pleasure,  most  agreeable  to  the 
bathers.  The  rooms  for  single  bathers  are  roofed 
and  closed  in  on  all  sides.  Those  who  wish  to  prac- 
tise swimming-,  are  accommodated  with  a  large  bath 
uncovered  at  the  top.  There  are  also  shower  baths 
for  such  as  require  this  mode  of  bathing-.  The  ladies 
and  gentlemen's  apartments  are  perfectly  distinct, 
and  regulations  are  adopted  for  the  purpose  of  main- 
taining decency,  propriety,  and  decorum  ;  any  viola- 
tion of  these  is  punished  by  exclusion  from  the  baths, 
or  by  a  fine.  Refreshments  are  to  be  had  on  the 
spot  suitable  to  such  establishments.  The  terms  of 
admission  are: — for  a  family  ticket  during  the  sea- 
son 7  dollars ;  for  a  single  person  4  dollars  ;  non-sub- 
scribers pay  25  cents  for  a  single  bath,  or  1  dollar  for 
6  baths.  Shower  baths  are  a  separate  charge. 
Schools  or  Academies,  coming  under  the  conduct  of 
a  proper  person,  are^charged  1  dollar  a  head  for  an 
annual  ticket. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


143 


COMMERCIAL  ESTABLISHMENTS, 


The  happy  situation  of  New-York  for  commercial 
enterprise,  has  naturally  given  birth  to  several  com- 
mercial establishments.  The  revenue  collected  at 
this  port,  amounts  to  nearly  one  fourth  of  the  total 
sum  collected  by  government  throughout  the  United 
States.  This  circumstance  alone  is  sufficient  to  ex- 
cite a  most  enlarged  idea  of  the  extent  of  her  trade 
with  foreign  countries.  But  when  to  this  is  added 
her  internal  commerce,  which,  by  means  of  the  Hud- 
son* and  East  rivers,  is  extended  to  the  most  distant 
parts  of  the  Union,  its  magnitude  will  then  appear 
in  a  more  correct  light. 

The  following  table  of  exports,  customs,  and  ton- 
nage, during  the  respective  years,  is  made  out  from 
the  official  entries,  in  the  books  of  registry,  for  the 
port  of  New- York  : 

Exports.  Customs.  Tonnage. 


Dollars. 

Dollars 

Tons. 

1792. 

2535790 

1256738 

17^5. 

10304581 

273.^204 

128227 

1800. 

14045079 

3671906 

171806 

1805. 

23482943 

7046'04 

189426 

1810. 

Domestic. 

Foreign. 

17212330 

6341670 

272092 

1811. 

8006438  +  339  J131 

=  11399569 

1978105 

247893 

1812. 

6316521 

2355165 

8671 6 86 

2860005 

249740 

1813. 

7058380 

1124636 

8183066 

1391108 

236526 

1314. 

197990 

11683 

209673 

1031299 

243144 

1815. 

7757668 

2444510 

10*?02 178 

14409790 

278868 

*  The  trade  on  the  Hudson  eroploys  a  vast  number  of  sloops, 
schooners,  and  other  vessels,  and  the  gross  amount  of  property  of 
every  description  afloat  on  this  river  annually,  probably  exceeds  5© 
millom  of  dollars*—  Sflajfo  d\<?  Gazetteer. 


141 


THE  STRANG ER's  GUIDE 


A  trade  so  extended  and  so  rapid  in  its  increase, 
require  I  a  corresponding-  number  of  commercial  es- 
tablishments. Accordingly  the  city  of  New- York 
will  be  found  to  possess  an  ample  share  of  these,  both 
public  and  private  The  first  which  naturally  claims 
attention,  is 

The  Custom  House.  This  is  a  handsome  brick  build- 
ing,  situated  near  the  top  of  Wall-street,  corner  of 
Nassau-street.  It  is  4  stories  in  height,  and  stands 
on  the  site  formerly  occupied  by  the  City  Hall. 
Before  it  was  applied  to  its  present  purpose,  it  was 
used  as  a  Book  Store  and  Reading  Room.  In  former 
years  the  business  of  the  Custom  House  was  trans- 
acted in  what  was  formerly  called  the  Government 
House  near  the  West  Battery. 

The  hours  of  attendance  are  from  10  o'clock  A.M. 
to  3  o'clock,  P.  M.  Every  thing  is  conducted  with 
great  regularity  and  promptness.  There  is  a  Col- 
lector, Naval  Officer,  Surveyor,  and  12  Clerks,  who 
have  desks  in  the  public  rooms,  and  to  which  there  is 
every  facility  of  access.  This  department  takes  cog- 
nizance of  all  goods,  wares,  and  merchandise  import- 
ed into  New-York,  in  American  or  foreign  ships  or 
vessels ;  and  also  of  all  passe  ng-ers.  There  is  a  table 
or  tariff  published  of  the  duties  payable  on  these 
goods. 

It  is  necessary  to  state,  for  the  information  of  pas- 
sengers entering  the  harbour  of  New- York,  that,  by 
Sect.  46  of  the  Act  of  Congress  reg-ulating  these 
matters,  an  entry  must  be  made  at  the  Custom  House 
on  their  arrival,  of  their  names,  clothes,  tools,  or  im- 
plements of  trade  or  professions,  (all  which  are  ex- 
empt from  duty,)  and  an  oath  taken  respecting-  them  : 
the  form  of  which,  and  of  the  entry,  to  be  had  at  the 
office  gratis.  Cabin  passengers  make  this  entry 
themselves,  and  pay  20  cents  each  for  a  permit;  on 
exhibiting-  which  to  the  officer  on  board,  they  are 
allowed  to  remove  their  baggage,  after  it  has  been 
inspected.    Only  one  entry  and  permit  is  necessary  ■ 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK. 


145 


for  a  family,  and  only  20  cents,  demanded,  what- 
ever may  be  the  number  of  the  family.  Remains  of 
sea-stores,  such  as  tea,  sugar,  foreign  spirits  and 
wines,  are  liable  to  pay  duties  ;  but,  unless  these 
are  of  great  bulk  or  quantity,  they  are  generally 
allowed  to  pass  free. 

An  entry  is  usually  made  by  the  master  of  the  ves- 
sel*, of  steerage  passengers  and  their  baggage ;  they 
pay  each  20  cents  for  a  permit.  When  entry  is  made 
by  any  person  not  the  owner,  he  gives  bond  for  pay- 
ment of  the  duties,  if  any ;  and  if,  after  entry  is 
made  at  the  custom-house,  and  the  oath  taken,  any 
article  is  found  belonging  to  a  passenger,  liable  to  pay 
duty,  not  specified  in  the  entry ,  it  is  forfeited,  and 
the  person  in  whose  baggage  the  article  is  found, 
subjected  in  treble  the  value. 


CHAMBER  OF  COMMERCE, 
The  members  of  this  establishment  meet  in  the 
upper  room  of  the   Tontine  ColTee-house,  Wall- 
street,  which  is  decorated  with  a  portrait  of  Doctor 
Colden,  lieutenant  governor  of  the  province,  who 


*  Bt  sides  making  entry  at  the  Custom-IIouse,  it  is  provided  by 
a  law  of  the  State,  that  every  master  of  a  vessel  arriving  from  a 
foreign  country,  or  from  any  other  of  the  United  States,  M  shall 
within  24  hours  after  entering  his  vessel  at  the  Custom-Housr,  make 
a  report  in  writing,  on  oath,  to  the  Mayor,  or  in  case  of  his  sickness 
or  absence,  to  the  Recorder  of  the  said  city,  of  the  namei  age,  and 
occupation  of  every  person  who  shall  have  been  brought  as  passen- 
ger in  such  ship  or  vessel  on  her  last  voyage,  upon  pain  of  forfeiting 
for  every  neglect  or  omission  to  make  such  report,  the  sum  of  75 
dollars  for  every  alien,  and  the  sum  of  50  dollars  for  every  other 
person  neglected  to  be  so  reported  as  aforesaid."  The  master  must 
also  give  bond,  that  none  ot  his  passengers  shall  become  chargeabie 
upon  the  poor  rates  of  the  city  for  the  space  of  two  years.  If  he 
permits  an  alien  to  come  ashore  before  he  grants  this  bond,  he 
subjects  himself  to  a  penalty  of  500  dollars.  Revised  Larvs  of  the 
State.,  vol.  2,  p.  441. 


146 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


granted  their  ©barter.  It  was  instituted  on  5th  April 
1768,  by  twenty  merchants  in  New-York,  who 
formed  themselves  into  a  private  association  for  the 
purpose  of  promoting  and  extending-  all  just  and  law- 
ful commerce;  and  for  affording-  relief  to  decayed 
members,  their  widows  and  children.  They  obtained 
a  charter  on  13th  March  1770,  by  which  they  are 
enabled  to  hold  property  to  the  value  of  3000  pounds 
sterling- per  annum;  and  on  the  13th  April  1 784,  these 
privileges  were  confirmed  and  perpetuated  by  the 
State  legislature.  The  Chamber  of  Commerce  holds 
its  annual  meetings  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  May ; 
and  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  every  month  there  is  also  a 
general  meeting,  at  which  a  committee  of  five 
is  appointed  to  determine  all  mercantile  disputes  sub- 
sisting between  the  members;  it  being  a  settled  law 
of  the  Chamber,  that  they  shall  "submit  all  dis- 
puted matters  of  accounts  which  they  may  be  con- 
cerned in  with  each  other  to  the  final  arbitration  or 
determination  either  of  the  monthly  committee,  or 
of  such  of  the  members  as  ma}7  be  chosen  by  the 
parties  or  the  corporation  collectively,  on  pain  of 
being  expelled  the  chamber." 

Merchants  and  Insurance  brokers  only  are  eligi- 
ble to  become  members  of  the  Chamber  of  Com- 
merce*. 


*  Twe  Merchants  of  the  city  and  eolony  having  resolved,  during; 
the  revolutionary  war,  not  to  import  goods  from  Great  Britain,  the 
House  of  Assembly,  on  the  2d  of  May  1769,  addressed  to  them  the 
following-  vote  of  thanks,  through  their  Speaker  :  "  I  have  it  ia 
charge,  from  the  General  Assembly,  to  give  the  Merchants  of  this 
(Buy  and  colony,  the  thanks  of  the  House  for  their  repeated,  disin- 
terested, public-spirited,  and  patriotic  conduct,  in  declining  the  im- 
portati oh,  or  receiving  of  eoods  from  Great  Biitain,  until  such  Acts 
of  Parliament  as  the  General  Assembly  had  declared  unconstitutional 
and  subversive  of  the  rights  and  liberties  of  the  people  of  this  ccbnv 
should  be  repealed." 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


147 


THE  POST-OFFICE. 

The  Post-office  is  situated  at  the  corner  of  Wil- 
liam and  Garden-streets.  It  is  a  convenient  brick 
building",  without  any  thing-  remarkable  in  its  ap- 
pearance. The  General-Post  Office  is  at  the  seat  of 
government;  the  offices  in  this  and  other  States  of  the 
Union,  amounting-  to  2450,  being-  merely  branches 
connected  with  it.  The  post  roads  are  established 
by  an  act  of  Congress,  and  the  post-offices  by  the 
post-master  general. 

The  United  States  are  divided  into  400  routs, 
through  which  the  mails  are  carried  by  contract. 
Between  the  great  and  commercial  towns,  they  run 
daily  ;  to  the  capitals  of  other  States  not  commer- 
cial, twice  a  week,  and  to  other  places,  once  a  week. 
Between  the  great  commercial  towns,  the  usual  rate 
of  posting  is  from  GO  to  120  miles  in  24  hours  ;  on 
the  cross  roads,  40  miles.  From  Robbinstown  on 
the  N.  E.  extremity  of  the  sea  coast  of  the  United 
States  to  St.  Mary's  on  the  S.  E.  extremity,  there 
is  a  post  road  extending  1,733  miles;  and  from 
Washington  to  New-Orleans,  another  post  road, 
1,233  miles. 

RATES  OF  POSTAGE. 
On  Single  Letters.— Toy  any  distance  not  exceeding  J  g  cent 


i  o  cem 

30  miles  > 
Over  30,  and  not  over  80  miles  10 
Over  8 r,  and  not  over  150  miles  12  1-2 

Over  150,  and  not  over  ^00  mile*  18  1-2 

Over  400  miles  -  25 


Double  Letters,  or  those  composed  of  two  pieces  of  paper,  double 
those  rates. 

Triple  Letters,  or  those  composed  of  three  pieces  of  paper,  triple 
those  rates. 

Packets,  or  letters  composed  of  four  or  more  pieces  of  paper,  or 
one  or  more  other  articles,  and  weighing  one  ounce,  (avoirdu- 
pois) quadruple  those  rates,  and  in  that  proportion  for  all  greater 
WUgat 


148 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


Skip  Letters,  not  carried  by  mail,  6  cents. 

Newspapers  —Each  paper  carried  not  over  100  miles  1  cent. 
Over  100  miles  -  •  1  1-2 

But  if  carried  to  any  Post-Office  in  the  State  where  printed,  what- 
ever be  i lie  distance,  the  rate  is  1  tent. 

Magazines  and  Pamphlets  are  rated  by  the  sheet. 
Can  i(  (1  nut  over  50  miles  -  1  cent. 

Over  50,  and  not  over  100  miles         -  -  11-3 

Over  100  mites         -  -  2 

Erery  four  folio  pages,  eight  quarto  pages,  or  sixteen  octavo  or 
Cesser  pages,  are  to  be  considered  a  sheet.  Journals  of  the  legisla- 
tures of  the  several  States,  are  to  be  charged  with  pamphlet  postage, 
although  not  stitched. 

Post-masters  are  not  to  forward  pamphlets  in  the  mail,  when 
it  is  very  large,  or  where  it  is  carried  with  great  expedition,  or  on 
horseback. 

The  delivery  of  letters  and  Newspapers  out  of 
New- York  post-office,  on  lawful  days,  is  from  sun- 
rise to  sun-set;  on  Sunday  from  9  to  10,  and  from 
1  to  2.  Letters  to  be  sent  by  mail,  should  be  ad- 
dressed in  the  clearest  manner ;  and  if  the  person 
for  whom  they  are  intended  does  not  reside  where 
there  is  an  office,  they  should  be  addressed  to  the 
nearest  office,  and  the  name  of  the  State  ought  never 
to  be  omitted.  All  letters  going  by  British  Packets, 
should  be  distinguished  by  the  words  per  packet, 
leading  vessels  to  foreign  ports  usually  have  a  let- 
ter-bag at  the  Tontine  CofFee-house,  in  which 
letters  may  be  put  on  paying  one  shilling  for  each. 
The  postage  of  letters  going  out  of  the  United 
States,  must  be  paid  for,  if  lodged  at  the  post- 
office. 

The  cover  of  Newspapers  should  be  left  open  at 
each  end,  and  the  number  of  free  papers  and  those 
for  subscribers  endorsed  on  each  packet ;  and  all 
newspapers  for  each  post-office,  should  be  enclosed 
in  one  package ;  but  not  exceeding  20  in  number. 
Any  person  enclosing  a  letter  or  written  memoran- 
dum in  any  newspaper,  forfeits  five  dollars,  and  the 
package  is  charged  letter  postage. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK. 


149 


TIMES  OF  ARRIVAL  AND  CLOSING  THE  MAILS. 

Eastern  Mail  is  closed  every  day  throughout  the  year  at  1-2  past 
6  o'clock,  A.  M  and  arrives  every  day  at  4,  A,  M. 

The  mail  despatched  every  Tuesday,  Thursday,  and  Saturday, 
is  carried  by  the  way  of  New- London  to  Boston,  and  returns  by  the 
same  route,  every  Monday,  Wednesday,  and  Friday:  and  the  mai 
of  Monday,  Wednesday,  and  Friday,  is  conveyed  by  the  route  oF 
Hartford,  Springfield  and  Worcester,  to  Boston,  and  returns  the 
same  way  on  Tuesday,  Thursday,  and  Saturday. 

Mails  to  Providence  and  Rhode-Island  State,  and  New-Bedford, 
Itfass.  are  closed  every  day  with  the  eastern  mail. 

Southern  Mail  is  closed  every  day  in  the  year  at  half  past  12 
o'clock,  P.  M.  and  arrives  every  day  at  6  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Mails  for  post-offices  on  the  main  southern  route,  as  far  as  Sa- 
vannah, Geo.  inclusive,  are  made  up  every  day  (Sunday  excepted,) 
and  on  Sundays,  mails  are  closed  for  Philadelphia,  Baltimore,  and 
Washington  city  only 

Mails  for  the  Sates  of  South  Carolina  and  Georgia,  except  for 
offices  on  the  main  route  to  Savannah  are  made  up  every  Monday, 
Thursday,  and  Saturday,  and  arrive  three  times  a  week. 

Mails  for  Kentucky  and  Ohio  States,  and  Indiana  and  Upper 
Lou  isiana  Territories,  are  closed  every  Tuesday  and  Wednesday. 

Mails  for  the  State  of  Tennessee  and  Mississippi  Territory,  are 
closed  every  Saturday. 

The  mails  for  Oileans  Territory  are  closed  every  Wednesday  and 
Saturday— the  time  of  its  arrival  is  uncertain. 

New- Jersey  Mails  —  Mails  for  Jersey  city,  Newark,  Elizabethtown, 
Rahway,  Woodbridge,  Amboy.  New-Brunswick,  Princeton.  Trenton, 
Burlington,  N/J.  and  Bistol,  Holmesburgh,  and  Frankford,  Penn. 
are  closed  every  day,  (Sunday  excepted,)  and  arrive  every  day, 
(Monday  excepted,)  with  the  Southern  mail. 

The  mail  to  Newtown,  N.  J.  via  Morristown,  Bordentown,  etc. 
commonly  called  the  Sussex  mail,  is  closed  and  arrives  every  Mon- 
day with  the  Southern  mail— and  mails  for  Morristown,  New- 
town, Pittstown,  N.  J.  are  closed  every  Wednesday  with  the  Southern 
mail. 

The  mail  to  Morristown,  N.  J.  and  Nazareth,  Easton,  and 
Wilkesbarre,  Penn.  is  closed  every  Wednesday,  at  half  past  8 
p'clock,  A.  M. 

The  mail  to  Allentcwn,  Freehold,  Shrewsbury,  and  Middtetpwn; 

N2 


no 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


N  J  branching  off  eastwardly  from  the  main  southern  route,  eon, 
monly  called  the  Monmouth  mail;  also  the  mail  blanching  off  south, 
vardly  f  ora  Trenton  via  Bordentown  Mou:t  Holly,  &c  to  Hadden* 
fk  Id,  and  the  mail  branching  off  from  the  same  place  northerly,  via 
Flemington,  Piustown.  New  Germantown,  c.  to  Hemstead,  Penn. 
are  closed  every  Monday  with  the  southern  mail. 

Letters  and  newspapers  destined  for  the  other  post  offices  in  West 
Jers  y.  are  put  up  daily  in  the  Pennsylvania  state  mail,  and  distribu" 
ted  at  Philadelphia 

Swift  surf  Mai  — Mails  for  Springfield,  Scotch  Plains,  Plainfield, 
Bound  Bro  k  Somerset  Court-house,  Millstone  and  Ringoes  N  J. 
and  New  Hope.  Jeiikinton  and  Buckingham,  Penn  are  closed  every 
Monday,  Wednesday  and  Friday,  at  5  o'clock,  P  M  and  arrive  every 
Monday  Wednesday  and  Friday 

T/ie  Northern  Mail*— is  dispatched  on  the  east  side  of  the  Hudson 
via  Poughkeepsie  to  Albany  ,  is  closed  every  Monday,  Wednesday, 
and  Friday,  at  half  past  7  o'clock,  A  M.  and  arrives  every  Tuesday, 
Thursday  and  Saturday,  at  8  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Mails  via  Hudson  to  Hillsdale.  (N.  Y.)and  West  Stockbridge,  (Mass  ) 
are  closed  every  Monday  with  the  northern  mail. 

The  mail  on  the  west  side  of  the  Hudson,  via  Hackensack,  (N  J  ) 
and  Goshen,  Kingston,  &c,  (NY)  to  Albany,  is  closed  every  Tues« 
day.  Thursday,  aud  Saturday  at  half  past  7  o'clock,  and  arm  es  every 
Sunday,  Wednesday,  and  Friday,  at  8  o'clock,  P  M. 

Mails  via  Kingston,  (N  Y  )  Woodstock,  Shondaken,  Middletown, 
and  Delhi,  (N.  Y.)  are  closed  every  Saturday  with  the  northern 
mail 

Mails  via  Catskill,  (N  Y.)  for  Canton,  Freehold,  Windham.  Blen- 
heini,  Stamford,  Meredith,  Unadilla,  Oquago,  Hapersfield,  Walton, 


*  During  the  Fteam-Boat  season  the  North  River  Steam-Boat 
irials  will  be  closed  every  Monday,  Wednesday,  Friday,  and  S  itur- 
day,  at  4  o'clock,  P-  M  for  Albany  and  Northern,  and  for  the  follow, 
lug  intermediate  towns  on  the  Hudson  River,  to  wit,  Newburgh, 
Poughkeepsie,  Kingston,  Catskill,  and  Hudson:  and  mails  will  be 
received  in  retuni  every  Tuesday,  Thursday,  Saturday,  and  cunday. 

The  land  mails  to  Albany,  will  be  conveyed  three  times  a  week,  as 
usual,  on  each  side  of  the  Hudson  to  all  the  offices  between  the  two 
cities,  except  those  above  named. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  theJand  mail  for  Albany  and  Northern 
will  be  made  «p  every  Tuesday  and  rlhur«day  morning,  at  half  past 
7  o'clock. 


TO  THE  CITY  o?  NEW^TOSK. 


1*1 


Chenango  Point  or  Binghamton,  Union,  Oswego,  Chemung,  New- 
town. Painted  Post,  Lindsleylown,  Bath,  Roscommon,  Ark,  Canisteo, 
Jke  are  closed  every  Sa  ardaj  with  the  northern  mail 

Mails  for  Bennington  and  Western  Vermont,  are  closed  every  day 
.with  the  northern  mail,  and  arrive  twice  a  week 

I  etters  and  newspapers  addressed  to  the  British  Provinces  of  Upper 
Canada,  will  be  forwarded  with  the  northern  mail  via  Niagara, (N*Y.) 
and  Lower  Canada,  by  the  eastern  mail,  via  Suffield,  (Con  )  to  Bur*- 
iington,  ;  Vt  )  and  also  for  New-Brunswick  and  Nova  Scotia,  in  the 
mail  for  Maine  District ;  provided  the  United  States'  postage  be  pre- 
viously paid. 

Letters  and  newspapei-3  lor  Upper  Canada  are  made  up  with  the 
northern  mail  daiiy— and  those  for  Lower  Canada  every  Wednesday 
and  Saturday. 

Dover  Mail— Mails  for  White  Plains,  Bedford,  South  East,  Pater- 
$on,  Pawlings,  and  Dover,  (N.  Y  )  Ridgfield  and  Danbury,  Con.  are 
closed  every  Friday,  at  half  past  3  o'clock,  P.  M.  and  arrive  the  same 
day  in  tne  morning. 

Long  h-  and  Mai'— is  closed  every  Wednesday  at  5  O'clock,  P.  M- 
and  arrives  the  same  day  in  the  forenoon*-. 


BANKS  AND  BANKING  HOUSES. 

The  premises  occupied  by  these  establishments  are 
situated  in  Wall-street.  They  are  plain,  though 
very  commodious  and  spacious,  brick  buildings. 
During-  the  colonial  government,  there  was  no  incor- 
porated banks.  On  11th  April,  1782,  the  legislature 
enacted,  that  the  Bank  of  "  North  America"  should 
be  a  body  politic  and  corporate  in  this  state,  and  pro- 
hibited the  establishment  of  other  banks  during  the- 
ivar.  The  banks  and  banking  houses  in  the  city 
alone  are  now  10  in  number,  exclusive  of  the  branch 
of  the  National  Bank. 

General  regulations.  Upon  notes  or  bills  not  hav- 
ing more  than  60  days  to  run,  the  interest  for  discount 
is  fixed  at  6  per  cent,  per  annum.    The  days  of  grace 


*  In  the  Append:x  we  have  given  the  rates  of  the  mail  and  other 
stages,  with  the  places  a»d  hows  gf  departure*. 


152  TIIE  stranger's  guide 

arc  three,  upon  which  discount  is  taken  at  the  same 
rate. 

The  person  offering"  bills  or  notes  to  discount,  must 
transmit  these  to  the  Cashier,  inclosed  in  a  sealed 
cover  containing  his  name,  one  day  previous  to  the 
discount. 

Deposits  of  money  may  be  drawn  at  pleasure, 
without  expense ;  but  no  drafts  paid  beyond  the  actual 
deposit. 

The  Banks  will  present  for  payment,  and  collect 
free  of  expense,  all  bills  or  notes  lodged  with  them  -y 
and  in  case  of  non-payment  and  protest,  the  charge 
only  for  protest  to  be  made  against  the  holder  of  the 
bill. 

I.  The  Bank  of  New-  York  took  its  rise  during  the 
revolutionary  war ;  but  it  was  not  till  21st  March, 
1791,  that  it  did  business  as  a  corporate  body.  The 
charter  then  granted  was  for  20  years,  and  the  capi- 
tal stock  was  to  consist  of  950,000  dollars,  divided  into 
1900  shares,  of 500  dollars  each.  On  the  expiring  of  the 
charter,  in  May,  1811,  it  was  renewed  until  the  2d 
Tuesday  in  May,  1820.  The  management  is  in  the 
hands  of  a  President,  Cashier,  and  14  Directors,  who 
are  appointed  on  the  2d  Tuesday  of  May.  Notes 
for  discount  must  be  sent  in  on  Mondays  and  Wednes- 
days ;  and  dividends  are  declared  on  1st  May  and  1st 
November  annually. 

II.  Manhattan  Bank.  This  establishment  was  or- 
ganized in  1799.  The  Manhattan  Company  obtained 
an  act  from  the  legislature,  or.  the  2d  of  April  that  year, 
authorising  them  to  supply  the  city  with  water,  and, 
after  completing  the  works  for  that  purpose,  to  em- 
ploy their  surplus  capital  as  a  discount  bank.  They 
were  authorized  to  raise  a  capital  of  2,000,000  dol- 
lars, in  shares  of  50  dollars  each,  of  which  the  Cor- 
poration of  New- York  was  entitled  to  hold  one  hun- 
dred. The  charter  is  unlimited  as  to  time.  The 
affairs  of  the  company  are  managed  by  a  President, 
Cashier,  and  1 1  Directors,  the  city  Recorder,  for  the- 


TO  THE  CITY  OP  NEW- YORK.  153 

time,  being"  always  a  Director.  They  are  chosen  on 
the  iirst  Tuesday  in  December.  Wednesday  and 
Saturday  are  the  days  for  presenting"  notes  for  dis- 
count ;  and  dividends  are  declared  on  10th  July  and 
10th  December  annually. 

III.  Merchants'*  Bank.  This  was  originally  a  pri- 
vate company,  who  issued  notes  without  being  incor- 
porated, from  1803  to  26th  March,  1805,  when  they 
obtained  a  charter  for  13  years,  by  which  their  capi- 
tal was  fixed  at  1,400,000  dollars.  The  charter  has 
been  extended  since  to  June  1st,  1832.  The  state 
of  New- York  holds  1,000  shares,  which  were  present- 
ed to  the  state  by  the  other  stockholders  as  a  fund  for 
the  support  of  public  schools.  The  concerns  of  the 
company  are  regulated  by  a  President,  Cashier,  and 
13  Directors,  the  Treasurer  of  the  state,  ex  officio, 
being  always  one.  They  are  elected  on  the  1st 
Tuesday  of  June,  and  dividends  are  declared  on  1st 
June  and  1st  December  annually.  Notes  foi  discount 
must  be  offered  on  Tuesdays  and  Thursdays. 

IV.  Mechanics*  Bank,  The  charter  of  this  com- 
pany is  dated  23d  March,  1810,  to  endure  for  13 
years.  Its  capital  was  originally  fixed  at  1,500,000 
dollars;  but  in  1811  it  was  increased  to  2,000,000 
dollars.  Its  affairs  are  managed  by  a  President, 
Cashier,  Assistant  Cashier,  and  13  Directors,  who 
are  elected  on  the  1st  Tuesday  of  April.  Divi- 
dends are  declared  on  1st  February  and  1st  August 
aunually;  and  notes  for  discount  are  received  on 
Tuesdays  and  Fridays. 

V.  Union  Bank.  This  was  originally  the  Jersey 
Bank,  and  did  business  at  Pawlus  Hook  for  some 
years  before  it  removed  here.  It  was  incorporated 
in  March,  181 1.  Its  charter  endures  for  20  years, 
and  its  capital  is  fixed  at  1,800,000  dollars.  The 
management  of  its  concerns  is  in  the  hands  of  a  Pre- 
sident, Cashier,  and  10  Directors,  who  are  elected  on 
the  1st  Monday  of  March.  Dividends  are  declared 
on  the  1st  November  and  1st  May  annually;  and 


154 


TIIE  STRANG KPTs  GUIDE 


Mondays  and  Thursdays  are  the  days  of  offering 
notes  for  discount. 

VI.  Bank  of  America,  was  incorporated  in  181  2, 
the  charter  to  endure  for  20  years.  Its  capital  stock 
amounts  to  4,000,000  of  dollars.  Its  affairs  are  con- 
ducted by  a  President  Vice-President,  Cashier,  and 
13  Directors,  who  are  chosen  on  the  1st  Monday  of 
May;  and  dividends  are  declared  on  1st  May  and  1st 
November  annually.  The  days  of  presenting-  notes 
for  discount  are  Mondays  and  Thursdays. 

VII.  City  Bank.  This  company's  charter  is  dated 
in  1812.  Its  capital  is  2,000,000  dollars,  and  its 
endurance  is  for  20  years.  A.  President,  Cashier, 
and  14  Directors,  who  are  elected  on  the  1st  Tues- 
day in  June,  have  the  management  of  its  affairs ;  and 
dividends  are  declared  on  1st  May  and  1st  Novem- 
ber annually.  Saturday  and  Wednesday  are  the 
days  of  offering"  notes  for  discount. 

VIII.  Phenix  Bank.  This  bank  was  originally 
chartered  on  15th  June,  1812,  under  the  title  of 
"  New- York  Manufacturing*  Company,"  with  a  capi- 
tal of  700,000  dollars ;  the  charter  to  endure  for  20 
years.  The  capital  is  now  raised  to  1 ,200,000  dol- 
lars. The  concerns  of  the  company  are  conducted 
by  a  President,  Cashier,  and  15  Directors,  one  of 
whom  is  appointed  by  the  state.  The  annual  election 
is  on  the  1st  Tuesday  of  July.  Notes  for  discount 
must  be  presented  on  Tuesday  and  Friday. 

IX.  Saving  Bank.  This  is  a  private  concern,  re- 
cently established  for  the  purpose  of  receiving-  de- 
posits as  low  as  one  dollar.  When  they  amount  to 
50  dollars,  6  percent,  interest  is  allowed.  Below  that 
sum,  5  per  cent.  The  management  is  conducted  by 
29  Directors. 

X.  Exchange  Bank.  This  establishment  belongs 
altogether  to  an  individual.  It  was  formed  in  1815 
for  the  purpose  of  discounting  notes  at  the  legal  in- 
terest of  7  percent.    The  office  is  at  29  Wall-street. 

XI.  Bank  of  the  United  States.    A  branch  of  this 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  1&5 

Bank  was  lately  opened  here.  Business  is  transact- 
ed at  No.  65  Broadway,  under  the  management  of 
13  Directors  and  a  Cashier.  The  Bank  itself  is  at 
Philadelphia.  It  was  incorporated,  as  a  National 
Bank,  on  3d  March,  1816,  and  the  capital  was  fixed 
at  35,000,000  dollars,  divided  into  shares  of  100  dol- 
lars each.  The  United  States  hold  shares  to  the 
amount  of  seven  millions  of  dollars,  in  5  per  cent 
stock.    The  charter  to  endure  for  20  years. 


INSURANCE  COMPANIES. 

All  the  offices  in  which  these  Companies  transact 
business  except  the  Washington  Insurance  Com- 
pany's office,  are  eligibly  situated  in  Wall-street. 
They  are  11  in  number. 

I.  JSew-  York  Insurance  Company,  From  the  year 
1796  to  2d  April  1798,  when  it  was  incorporated, 
this  company  did  business  as  a  private  co-partnery.  Its 
capital  stock  is  500,000  dollars,  divided  into  10,000 
shares  of  50  dollars  each.  Its  affairs  are  managed 
by  a  President,  2  Assistants,  and  17  Directors,  who 
are  elected  on  the  2d  Monday  of  January ;  and  divi- 
dends declared  on  the  1st  Monday  of  January  and 
J  uly  annually.  This  company  formerly  did  fire  in- 
surances, but  it  is  now  confined  to  Marine  only. 

II.  Mutual  Insurance  Company,  was  incorporated 
on  23d  March  1798,  and  its  charter  was  renewed,  for 
15  years,  in  1809.  Its  business  is  confined  to  fire  in- 
surances. Its  capital  is  500,000  dollars.  The  affairs 
of  the  company  are  conducted  by  a  president,  secre- 
tary, and  23  directors,  who  are  appointed  on  the  1st 
Tuesday  of  April ;  and  dividends  are  declared  on  the 
1st  Tuesday  of  May  and  November  annually. 

III.  Washington  Insurance  Company,  The  office 
of  this  company  is  in  William-street  corner  of  John- 
street.  It  took  its  rise  in  1801,  but  was  not  incor- 
portated  until  18th  March  1814.  Its  capital  is  fixed, 
at  500j000  dollars,  in  shares  of  50  dollars  each,  ars.i- 


156 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


it  is  confined  by  its  charter  to  fire  insurances.  The 
management  is  in  the  hands  of  a  President,  Secreta- 
ry, Surveyor,  Clerk,  and  17  Directors,  who  are  elect- 
ed on  the  1st  Tuesday  of  April  annually. 

IV.  Phccnix  Insurance  Company.  This  company's 
charter  is  dated  20!  h  February  1807,  to  endure  21 
years.  Its  capital  is  fixed  at  500,000  dollars,  Whicfo 
it  may  reduce  to  200,000  dollars,  or  increase  to 
1,000,000  dollars,  if  necessary.  Shares  20  dollars 
each.  Its  aiiairs  are  managed  by  a  President,  Secre- 
tary, and  16  Directors,  who  are  elected  in  January 
each  year.  The  business  of  this  companjr  is  con- 
fined to  insurance  against  fire. 

V.  Ocean  Insurance  Company.  This  institution 
was  formed  March  2d,  1810.  lis  capital  is  500,000 
dollars,  which  it  may  increase  to  750.000.  A  Presi- 
dent, Vice  President,  Secretary  and  20  Directors 
manage  its  affairs.  They  are  elected  on  the  2d  Mon- 
day of  January ;  and  dividends  are  declared  on  the 
1st  Monday  of  January  and  July  annually. 

VI.  New-York  Firemen  Insurance  Company.  Thisj 
company's  charter  is  dated  in  April  1810,  and  its  ca- 
pital is  00,000  dollars.  The  managers  are  a  Pre- 
sident, 2  Assistants  and  14  Directors,  who  are  elect- 
ed on  the  2d  Monday  of  November,  and  dividends 
declared  on  the  2d  Tuesday  of  May  and  November 
annually. 

VII.  Globe  Insurance  Company.  Its  charter  is 
dated  March  18th,  1814,  and  its  capital  is  fixed  at 
1,000,000  dollars,  divided  into  shares  of  50  dollar* 
each.  Its  business  is  confined  to  fire  Insurances. 
The  management  is  in  the  hands  of  a  President, 
Secretary,  and  29  Directors,  who  are  elected  on 
the  2d  Tuesday  of  February,  and  dividends  declar- 
ed on  the  1st  Tuesday  of  June  and  December  an- 
nually. 

VIII.  American  Insurance  Company  of  New- York, 
was  incorporated  on  March  1st  1815. — Its  capital 
*s  500,000  dollars.    The  managers  are  a  President. 


TO  THE  GHTY  OP  NEW-YO&K.  157 

assistant  president  and  12  directors,  who  are  elect* 
ed  on  the  2d  Tuesday  of  May  annually. 

IX.  National  Insurance  Company.  This  institution 
was  chartered  14th  April,  1815,  to  continue  for  20 
years.  Its  capital  amounts  to  500,000  dollars,  and 
the  management  is  conducted  by  a  President,  Secre- 
tary, assistant  President,  and  17  directors,  who  are 
elected  on  the  2d  Monday  of  January.  Dividends 
declared  on  the  1st  Monday  of  January  and  July" 
annually. 

X.  Pacific  Insurance  Company.  This  company 
was  incorporated  April  14th,  1815,  for  marine  Insur- 
ances only.  Its  capital  is  500,000  dollars,  in  10,000 
shares  of  50  dollars  each  ;  its  affairs  are  in  the  hands 
of  a  President,  assistant  and  15  directors,  who  are 
elected  on  the  3d  Monday  of  January,  and  dividends 
declared  on  the  1st  Monday  of  January  and  June 
annually.    The  charter  to  endure  for  21  years. 


FIRE  DEPARTMENT. 

By  the  former  practice,  the  citizens  of  New- York 
voluntarily  engaged  in  taking"  the  charge  and  manage- 
ment of  the  Fire  Engines.  It  having  been  considered 
expedient,  however,  to  place  this  department  on  a 
more  permanent  footing,  the  fireraea  were  incorpo- 
rated by  the  Legislature,  and,  by  a  law  passed  on 
April  12,  1816,  it  was  enacted,  that  they  should  con- 
tinue to  be  "  a  body  corporate  and  politic,  in  fact  and 
in  name,  until  the  1st  day  of  May,  1838." 

By  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  Common  Coun- 
cil a  Chief  Engineer  is  appointed,  with  a  salary  of 
800  dollars  per  annum,  to  whom  is  confided  the  sole 
and  absolute  control  over  all  persons  belonging  to 
the  fire  department ;  the  charge  of  the  fire  engines, 
fire  buckets,  engine  houses,  and  all  other  fire  appa- 
ratus. These  he  examines  twice  every  year,  and 
reports  to  the  Common  Council  as  to  their  condition, 
together  with  the  names  of  the  members  of  the  d'if- 


15C 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


ferent  associations  ;  which  report  is  published  in  the 
newspapers  every  month  of  January.  He  also  re- 
ports all  accidents  by  fire,  the  number  and  descrip- 
tion of  the  building's  destroyed  or  injured,  the  names 
and  occupations  of  the  sufferers,  and  the  probable 
causes  of  the  fire ;  which  are  registered  by  the  City 
Inspector. 

Fire  Wardens  are  appointed  by  the  Common 
Council ;  and  attached  to  such  company  in  the  ward 
having*  an  engine,  as  the  Mayor  judges  proper.  They 
receive  a  certificate  of  appointment  under  the  seal 
of  the  Mayoralty.  In  every  ward  they  form  separate 
companies,  choose,  amongst  themselves,  a  Foreman 
and  Clerk,  and  make  reg  ulations  for  their  own  go- 
vernment. Vacancies  are  filled  up  on  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  Chief  Engineer,  but  none  are  eligi- 
ble unless  they  have  been  firemen  for  5  years.  Fire- 
wardens proceed  to  the  spot,  on  an  alarm  of  fire,  as- 
sist in  procuring  water  to  the  engines,  prevent  the 
hose  from  being  trodden  on,  and  keep  idle  and  sus- 
pected persons  at  a  distance.  In  the  months  of  June 
and  December  they  examine  all  fire  places,  hearths, 
chimnies,  stoves  and  pipes,  ovens,  boilers,  kettles, 
&c.  and  if  defective,  order  the  owners  immediately 
to  repair  them ;  penalty  of  non-compliance  with 
these  orders,  25  dollars.  They  also  examine  all 
buildings,  livery  and  other  stables,  hay  boats  or  ves- 
sels, and  places  where  gunpowder,  hemp,  flax,  tow, 
hay,  rushes,  firewood;  boards,  shingles,  shavings,  or 
other  combustible  materials  may  be  lodged,  and 
give  orders  for  their  removal  or  safe  custody,  under 
a  penalty  of  25  dollars.  Reports  of  disobedience 
of  orders  to  be  made  by  the  wardens  to  the  Foreman, 
under  a  penalty  of  10  doliars. 

The  Firemen  are  divided  into  companies,  and 
a  foreman,  assistant,  and  clerk,  out  of  their 
own  number.  Their  duty  is  to  convey  the  engines 
to  where  a  fire  breaks  out,  and  to  work  them  under 
the  directions  of  the  engineer.  To  accustom  them  to 
I  his3  and  to  keen  the  engines  in  order,  the  firemendraw 


V 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  159 

them  out,  wash  and  clean  them,  in  the  months  of 
May,  June,  July,  August,  September,  October,  and 
November :  penalty  of  not  attending  a  fire  3  dollars  ; 
of  neglecting  to  cleanse  the  engiues,  1  dollar,  besides 
being  liable  to  dismissal.  Firemen  also  receive  a 
certificate  of  appointment. 

As  distinguishing  badges,  at  fires,  the  members  of 
the  Common  Council  carry  a  wand  with  a  gilded 
flame  at  the  top;  the  engineers  wear  a  leathern  cap, 
painted  white,  with  a  gilded  front,  and  a  fire  engine 
blazoned  thereon,  and  carry  a  speaking  trumpet, 
painted  black,  with  the  words  "  Chief  Engineer," 
"  Engineer  No.  1,"  &c.  in  white,  painted  on  their 
caps.  The  fire  wardens  wear  a  hat,  the  brim  black, 
the  crown  painted  white,  with  the  city  arms  blazoned 
on  the  front,  and  carry  a  speaking  trumpet  painted 
white  ;  with  the  word  "  Warden"  in  black.  The 
firemen  have  also  their  distinguishing  badges. 

When  a  building  takes  fire  in  the  night,  notice 
is  immediately  given,  by  the  watchmen,  to  all  the 
members  of  the  Common  Council,  engineers,  fire-war- 
dens, foremen,  and  bell-ringers,  within  their  districts. 
The  watchmen  call  out  %t  Fire  !"  the  bells  are  set  a 
ringing,  and  the  inhabitants  place  lighted  candles  at 
their  windows,  to  facilitate  the  passage  through  the 
streets:  neglect  of  duty  in  watchmen,  subjects  to  a 
penalty  of  one  dollar. 

Constables  and  Marshals  of  the  city  attend,  with 
their  staves  of  office,  and  obey  the  orders  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Corporation,  under  a  penalty  of  10  dol- 
lars. No  obstructions  of  vessels,  or  otherways,  to  be 
placed  in  the  way  of  the  floating  engines  on  the  ri- 
ver, under  a  penalty  of  50  dollars. 

Every  householder  having  less  than  3  fire-places, 
provides  himself  with  one  leathern  bucket ;  3  fire- 
places and  less  than  6,  two  leathern  buckets ;  6  fire- 
places and?less  than  9,  four'leathern  buckets ;  and  9  fire- 
places and  upwards,  six  leathern  buckets,  which  are 
marked  with  the  owner's  name  and  residence.  Eve- 


160  THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 

ry  brew-bouse,  distillery,  sugar-house,  soap  and  can- 
dle manufactory,  and  ship-chandlery  store,  9  leathern 
buckets;  every  bake-house  and  air-furnace,  G  lea- 
thern buckets,  besides  the  dwelling-house.  Each 
bucket  holds  2  gallons  of  water,  and  must  always  be 
suspended  and  ready  to  be  delivered  and  used  fur 
extinguishing  fires  when  they  occur.  Penaltv  for  be- 
gleet,  1  dollar  50  cents  each  bucket;  refusing  to  de- 
liver them  on  alarm  of  fire,  50  cents  each  bucket. 
The  owner  of  a  dwelling-house  may  deliver  up  one 
half  of  his  buckets,  as  public  buckets,  for  which  he 
receives  a  certificate  of  exemption  to  that  extent. 

The  occupier  of  every  dwelling-house,  in  which  a 
chimney,  stove-pipe,  or  flue  takes  fire  through  ne- 
glect, is  liable  to  a  penalty  of  5  dollars.  Carpenters 
must  cause  their  shavings  to  be  carefully  put  away, 
every  day  after  work,  under  a  penalty  of  5  dollars. 
To  light  a  fire  in  any  street,  road,  or  lane,  (except 
for  boiling  tar,  not  six  feet  from  the  end  of  the  way,) 
subjects  to  a  penalty  of  10  dollars.  Hay  or  straw  in 
any  stack  or  prle  uncovered,  within  a  certain  dis- 
trict ;  and  hay,  straw,  hemp,  flax,  shavings,  or  rush- 
es, kept  in  any  building,  not  built  of  stone  and  brick, 
and  covered  with  tile  or  slate,  within  10  feet  of  any 
dwelling  house  or  chimney,  subjects  to  a  penalty  of 
25  dollars,  and  10  dollars  for  every  24  hours  they  re- 
main after  notice  of  removal.  To  use  alighted  can- 
dle or  lamp  in  a  stable,  unless  securely  placed  in  a 
lantern,  forfeits  10  dollars. 


MANUFACTURING  COMPANIES. 

The  Legislature  of  New-York,  ever  anxious  to 
promote  the  welfare  of  the  state,  particularly  as  it 
regards  its  Manufactures,  passed  a  law,  on  22d 
March,  loll,  by  which  it  is  enacted,  that  "  any 
five  or  more  persons  who  shall  be  desirous  to  form  a 
company  for  the  purpose  of  Manufacturing  woollen, 
cotton,  or  linen  goods,  or  for  the  purpose  of  making* 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


161 


glass,  or  for  the  purpose  of  making'  from  ore,  bar 
iron,  anchors,  mill  irons,  steel,  nail  rods,  hoop  iron 
and  ironmongery,  sheet  copper,  sheet  lead,  shot, 
white  lead  and  red  lead,"  might,  on  filing  the  proper 
certificates,  be  erected  into  a  corporate  body  for  the 
term  of  20  years.  This  privilege  was  afterwards  ex- 
tended to  manufactories  of  pins,  Morocco  leather, 
beer,  ale  or  porter,  and  other  useful  domestic  occu- 
pations. As  another  powerful  stimulus  to  Manufac- 
turing exertions,  another  law  was  passed,  9th  April 
1813,  incorporating  a  company  under  the  designa- 
tion of 

The  Commission  Company  ;  the  immediate  object 
of  which  was  declared  to  be  44  for  the  purpose  of 
disposing  of  articles  solely  of  American  Manufacture, 
and  to  make  loans  thereon  when  deposited  for  sale.'" 
The  capital  stock  is  limited,  by  the  charter,  to 
600,000  dollars,  divided  into  shares  of  50  dollars  each. 
The  management  is  placed  in  the  hands  of  9  direc- 
tors, who  are  elected  on  the  1st  Tuesday  of  Novem- 
ber each  year.  The  stock  of  the  company  is  ient 
out  on  all  articles  manufactured  in  the  United  States, 
except  salt,  at  the  lawful  interest  of  6  per  cent,  and 
no  commission  is  charged  on  goods  deposited  except 
upon  actual  sales.  The  company  cannot  legally 
employ  its  capital  in  purchasing  goods,  hills  of  ex- 
change, stock  or  funds,  nor  in  any  bank  or  monied 
operations,  but  entirely  in  advances  of  money  on 
American  Manufactures,  and  selling  the  same  on 
commission.  States  of  accounts  are  laid  annually 
before  the  stockholders,  and  dividends  declared  year- 
ly or  half  yearly,  in  the  option  of  the  directors. 
Under  these  encouraging  circumstances,  the  follow- 
ing manufactories  have  since  applied  for,  and  obtain- 
ed, charters  of  Incorporation: — 

Eagle  Manufacturing  Company,  This  company 
was  incorporated  on  26  th  April  1813,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  manufacturing  cotton,  woollen,  and  linen 
goods.  With  that  view  they  erected  an  extensive 
O  2 


J  62 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


building*  at  Greenwich,  where  they  have  a  great 
number  of  people  employed.  Having  ineglected  to 
provide  by  bye  laws,  for  the  election  of  directors  for 
the  second  year,  this  company  censed  to  be  ,a  cor- 
porate body ;  but  this  was  remedied  by  an  applica- 
tion to  the  legislature,  who  continued  the  charter, 
on  28t>  February  1817,  for  20  years  from  its  original 
date. 

JYorth  American  Coal  Company.  The  charter  of 
this  company  is  dated  6th  April  1814.  Its  members 
"  associated  together  for  the  great  and  important 
purpose  of  finding  coal  and  other  mines  and  minerals, 
and  supplying  the  public  with  the  same."  In  pursuit 
of  those  objects,  and  at  great  expense  and  personal 
labour,  they,  some  time  ago.  became  the  proprietors, 
for  long  terms  of  years,  of  several  parcels  of  land  in 
the  States  of  New- York,  Connecticut,  and  New- 
Jersey,  in  which  good  coal  was  discovered,  and  since 
worked  in  considerable  quantity.  Their  charter  en- 
dures until  1st  May  1834,  and  their  stock  is  750,000 
dollars,  divided  into  shares  of  25  dollars  each.  The 
affairs  of  the  company  are  regulated  by  a  president 
and  10  directors,  who  are  elected  on  the  1st  Monday 
of  May  annually.  A  majority  of  the  board  consti- 
tutes a  quorum. 

Coal  Company,  was  incorporated  April  6th  1814, 
"c  for  the  purpose  of  exploring  and  working  mines  of 
eoal  and  other  valuable  minerals,  and  for  delivering 
at  the  city  of  New- York,  coal  for  fuel  at  a  reason- 
able price,  from  the  Ohio  river,  or  from  any  part  qf 
this  State,  or  of  the  United  States,  wherever  good 
coal  may  be  most  advantageously  procured." — The 
capital  of  this  company  is  not  to  exceed  700,000 
dollars,  divided  into  shares  of  50  dollars  each.  Its 
affairs  arc  managed  by  12  directors,  one  of  whom  is 
president,  who  are  chosen  on  the  2d  Tuesday  of  June 
a nnual  ly. 

Copper  Manufacturing  Company.  This  company 
was  instituted  for  the>  purpose  of  "  carrying  on  and 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  163 

perfecting  the  manufacture  of  copper  and  brass,  and 
the  construction  of  large  copper  works  in  general,  in 
such  parts  of  the  State  of  New-York  as  they  shall 
think  most  advantageous."  The  charter  is  dated 
April  9  th  1814,  by  which  the  capital  of  the  company  is 
limited  to  250,000  dollars,  divided  into  1000  shares  of 
250  dollars  each.  Six  directors  and  a  president, 
who  are  chosen  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  May  annu- 
ally, conduct  the  affairs  of  the  company. 

Patent  Cloth  Company.  This  company  was  in- 
corporated 13th  April  1814,  "for  the  purposes  o 
manufacturing  of  hair  hy  itself,  or  hair  mixed  with 
any  other  material  or  materials. "  Their  stock  is 
limited  to  400,000  dollars,  divided  into  shares  of  25 
dollars  each ;  and,  in  the  event  of  there  being  any 
surplus  stock,  the  company  is  authorized  to  employ 
it  as  a  capital  in  manufacturing  wool,  cotton,  or 
hardware  only.  The  company's  affairs  are  managed 
by  7  Trustees,  one  of  whom  is  President,  who  are  elect- 
ed on  the  first  Monday  of  June  annually.  The  ma- 
jority of  the  Trustees  form  a  quorum. 

'*  This  corporation  (observes  the  Collector  of  the 
State  Laws,)  will  become  of  singular  importance  to 
society.  The  cloth  to  be  manufactured,  being  in 
whole  or  part  composed  of  Iiair,  will,  by  its  being 
more  durable,  become  a  good  substitute  for  wool, 
&c.  The  cloth  has  stood  the  test  of  experiment,  and 
bids  fair  to  add  another  splendid  evidence  of  the  ever 
active  inventive  genius  of  America." 

Patent  Oil  Company.  This  company  was  incor- 
porated 15th  April  1814,  "  for  the  purpose  of  pressing 
and  straining  oils,  and  separating  fluids  from  solids, 
by  means  of  a  new  and  useful  machine."  The 
charter  endures  until  1st  May  1828,  and  the  stock 
limited  to  100,000  dollars,  divided  into  shares.  The 
management  is  in  the  hands  of  the  inventors,  who 
are  also  patentees  of  the  machine ;  and  a  meeting  of 
stockholders  is  held  on  the  1st  Wednesday  of  June 
annually,  to  establish  bye  laws,  nominate  a  president, 


[64 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


Sic.  Contracts  signed  by  the  president  are" binding 
on  the  corporation. 

Joining,  Smelting,  and  Rt fining  Company.  By  an 
act  of  the  legislature,  dated  February  25th  1814,  this 
company  may  hold  a  capital  of  the  value  of  500,000 
dollars  divided  into  shares  of  100  dollars  each, 
to  be  employed  in  "  digging",  mining,  smelting 
and  refining  gold,  silver,  lead  and  copper  ores, 
and  for  erecting  a  shot  tower  for  the  manufac- 
turing of  shot  in  the  state  of  New- York,  and  for  the 
purposes  of  establishing  a  factory  for  the  making 
red  and  white  lead."  The  company's  affairs  are 
under  the  management  of  13  directors,  one  of  whom 
is  president,  who  are  elected  on  the  1st  Tuesday  of 
June  annually.  A  majority  of  the  directors  forms  a 
quorum.* 

Linen  Company.  The  charter  of  this  company  is 
dated  April  18th  1815.  The  capital  stock  is  not  to 
exceed  400,000  dollars,  divided  into  shares  of  100 
dollars  each,  and  employed  in  manufacturing  flax, 
hemp,  and  other  articles  of  a  similar  nature,  into 
linen.  The  affairs  of  the  company  are  in  the 
management  of  7  trustees,  who  are  elected  on  the 
1st  of  May  annually-. 

Sterling  Company  was  incorporated  April  1st 
1814,  for  the  purpose  of  manufacturing  iron  and 
steel.  Their  capital  is  limited  to  500,000  dollars, 
and  the  management  of  the  company's  affairs  is  in 


*  By  a  grant  of  the  legislature  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  about 
16  year*  finee,  Col  John  A.  Gra'  a-n.  for  services  ren  iered 
that  8tate  in  England,  obtained  an  exalugive  pri  ilege  of  mining, 
s  neking  and  refining,  all  ores  found  in  the  said  State,  for  the  term 
of  35  years,  e^cept-n^  Bradley*9  mine.  Col  Graham  afterward* 
purctused  one  hall  ot  said  mine,  and  a  few  years  sin.:e  formed  a 
company  in  the  city  of  New  York,  under  the  name  of  The  Ver- 
mont Mining  and  Smelting  Company.  Tm  ,  ive  effect  to  the  objects 
of  this  company,  the  present  act  of  incorporation  wjts  applied 
for  an  1  granted.   Laws  of  IStm-York,  vol  3,  p  24.  b. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK.  165 

tlie  hands  of  13  directors,  one  of  whom  is  president, 
who  are  chosen  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  June  annu- 
ally.   A  majority  of  the  directors  forms  a  quorum. 

Resides  the  above,  the  following  incorporations  for 
manufacturing  purposes,  are  mentioned  in  the  ap- 
pendix to  the  2d  vol.  of  the  Revised  Laws  of  the 
Slate,  as  having-  been  formed  under  the  general  act 
of  March  22d  1811.  The  editor  has  given  the  names 
only  of  these  incorporated  bodies.  We  shall  be  glad 
to  receive  the  particulars  respecting  them  and  of  all 
other  companies  or  institutions  omitted  in  this  work. 

New- York  American  Fur  Company,  incorporated 
February  16lh  1805. 

  Company  for  Manufacturing  Paints  and 

other  articles,  February  17th  1809. 

  Manufacturing  Company,  June  15th  1812. 

  Slate  Company,  March  23d  1810. 

  Sugar  Refining  Company,  March  22d 

1811. 

It  appears  from  Stafford's  General  Table  of  Manu- 
factures, published  in  1813,  that,  at  that  period, 
there  were  3  looms  at  work  in  the  city  and  county  of 
New-York,  which  produced  annually  2,540  yards  of 
woollen  cloth,  and  217  yards  linen  :  Four  carding 
machines,  which  carded  7,200  lbs.  of  wool  :  Two 
cotton  factories,  employing  190  spindles.  JVtne  tan- 
neries, that  tanned  26,800  hides  for  soles,  upper 
leather,  and  calf  skins :  Fifteen  breweries,  producing 
1,528,872  gallons  of  ale,  porter  and  beer:  Eleven 
distilleries,  producing  377,298  gallons  of  different 
kinds  of  spirits  :  Five  hatteries,  which  manufactured 
5,100  hats  :  Four  glass  and  iron  furnaces,  producing 
710  tons  of  iron,  all  in  the  course  of  one  year. 

These  establishments  have  greatly  increased  since, 
and  to  the  number  we  can  add  type  founders,  brush 
makers,  wire  drawers,  rope  makers,  besides  those 
other  useful  trades,  bakers,  tailors,  shoemakers,  tin- 
smiths, house-carpenters,  ship-carpenters,  black- 
smiths, turners,  printers,    book-binders,  candle- 


166  tiie  stranger's  guide 

makers,  &c.  which  have  existed  here  in  great  num- 
bers, for  many  years  and  meet  with  good  en- 
couragement. 


American  Society  for  the  encouragement  of  Domesfiu 
Manufactures,  This  society  was  organized  in  1816. 
Its  object  is  to  give  an  impulse  to  national  industry, 
by  every  possible  and  laudable  means.  The  society 
lately  published  an  energetic  address,  in  which  their 
views  are  fully  and  clearly  developed.  In  this  elo- 
quent document,  they  call  upon  manufacturers  and 
artists  of  every  description  to  communicate  all  facts 
tending  to  the  prosperity  of  domestic  manufactures ; 
they  conjure  agriculturists,  and  possessors  of  land  to 
explore  ami  ietermine  their  statistics,  economy, 
geology,  and  topography ;  they  invite  merchants  to 
aid  in  counteracting  frauds  upon  themselves  and  the 
revenue ;  they  solicit  men  of  science  to  apply  its 
principles  to  the  useful  arts  of  life;  they  call  upon 
the  soldier  to  participate  in  the  country's  civic  tri- 
umphs ;  and  upon  the  fair  daughters  of  Columbia" 
to  disdain  the  fashions  of  foreign  climes,  to  let  their 
dress  be  national,  and  their  ornaments  of  native  ma- 
nufacture. 

By  the  constitution  of  the  society,  persons  paying 
one  dollar  on  admission,  and  the  same  sum  annually, 
become  members.  They  must  be  previously  pro- 
posed by  a  member  and  balloted  for.  They  then 
subscribe  the  constitution  and  are  held  pledged  to 
promote  the  objects  of  the  society.  The  officers  are 
a  president,  3  vice-presidents,  2  secretaries,  and  a 
corresponding  committee  of  12  members,  who  are 
elected  annually,  on  the  4th  Wednesday  of  Novem- 
ber. The  society  meet  in  this  city  on  the 4th  Wed- 
nesday of  November,  February,  May  and  August,  in 
each  year.  Twenty  members,  exclusive  of  the  pre- 
sident and  secretary,  form  a  quorum. 

Since  this  society  was  formed,  several  others  have 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  167 

been  organized,  in  different  parts  of  the  Union,  with 
the  same  object,  and  keeping-  up  a  correspondence 
with  the  original  institution.  It  is  intended  to  apply 
to  the  legislature  for  its  countenance  and  support, 
which  when  obtained,  must  greatly  promote  domestic 
manufactures,  and,  in  a  few  years,  render  this 
country,  already  immensely  rich  in  her  internal 
resources,  independent  of  all  other  nations.  The 
object  of  the  society  is  altogether  national.  It  ought, 
therefore,  to  be  supported^  by  every  inhabitant  of  the 
United  States. 


STEAM  BOAT  COMPANIES. 

The  great  perfection  to  which  these  useful  ma- 
chines have  been  brought  in  this  country,  through 
the  indefatigable  and  patriotic  exertions  of  the  much 
and  justly  lamented  Mr.  FULTON,  a  native  of  the 
United  States,  seems  to  claim  somewhat  more  of 
our  attention  than  the  common  run  of  improve- 
ments. 

On  no  occasion  did  Mr.  Fulton  ever  pretend  to 
the  discovery,  that  the  application  of  steam  would 
force  a  vessel  through  the  water.  He  always  readily 
and  frankly  admitted,  that  this  was  an  idea  enter- 
tained, and  even  made  public,  by  many  individuals, 
long  before  he  was  capable  of  thinking  on  the  sub- 
ject. But  if  he  did  not  lay  claim  to  the  invention,  he 
had  an  indisputable  right  to  say,  that  with  him  alone 
originated  the  method  of  applying  the  principle,  so  as 
to  produce  real  utility ,  which  no  projector  before  him 
had  ever  been  able  to  attain.* 

*  It  is  very  true,  remarks  the  biographer  of  Fulton,  that  some 
ingenious  attempts  to  propel  boats  by  steam,  bad  been  made,  long 
before  Mr.  Fulton  thought  of  it,  or  rather  before  the  time  when  we 
know  that  he  had  thought  of  it.  Indeed,  it  is  natural  to  suppose, 
that  the  possibility  of  applying  this  power  to  so  desirabie  an  object 
as  navigation  would  be  one  of  the  first  thoughts  that  would  occur 
when  it  was  seen  that  it  might  be  made  to  move  machinery.  Frcrm 


163  the  stranger's  guide 

It  must  be  a  matter  of  regret  to  every  liberal 
mind,  that  Mr.  Fulton  did  not  reap  the  fruits  of  his 
ingenuity  and  talents.  Needy  speculators,  both  at 
home  and  abroad,  unblushingly  invaded  his  rights 
under  the  most  frivolous  pretences.  It  is  some  satis- 
faction, however,  to  find,  that  of  all  of  the  steam-boats 
set  up  in  opposition  to  the  rightful  owner,  not  one  of 
them  can  be  said  to  be  an  useful  improvement. 

In  the  year  1798  it  appears  that  the  late  Chancel- 
lor Livingston  had  constructed  a  steam  boat  on  new 
principles,  which  he  thought  of  a  nature  calculated 
to  ensure  success.  Under  that  impression  he  applied 
to,  and  obtained  from  the  legislature  of  New- York, 
an  act  vesting  him  with  the  exclusive  right  of  navi- 
gating steam  boats  on  all  the  waters  within  the  ter- 
ritory or  jurisdiction  of  the  state  of  New- York,  for 
the  term  of  20  years,  on  condition  that  he  should 
build  a  boat  within  one  year  which  would  sail  at  the 
rate  of  4  miles  an  hour.  In  this,  however,  Mr. 
Livingston  did  not  succeed. 

Afterwards,  when  minister  in  France,  he  formed 
an  intimacy  with  Mr.  Fulton,  who  had  previously 
directed  his  attention  to  the  subject,  and,  by  their 
joint  experiments,  they  succeeded  in  constructing 
a  new  boat,  which  fully  answered  their  expectations. 
"  This  was  dene  in  the  year  1803,  at  their  joint  ex- 
pense, under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Fulton ;  and  so 
fully  evinced  the  justice  of  his  principles  that  it  was 
immediately  determined  to  enrich  their  country  by 
the  valuable  discovery,  as  soon  as  they  should  meet 


that  time  to  this  there  have  been  many  projectors,  some  of  them 
ingenious  and  respectable:  but  most  of  them  ignorant  and 
presuming.  In  none  of  those,  h->wev«-:r,  who  have  attempted  this 
great  object,  were  united  thos«j  qualities  and  acquirements  to  which 
Mr  Fulton  owed  his  success:  that  is  to  say,  a  genius  for  invention, 
mathematical  and  philosophical  science,  mechanical  knowledge,  and 
what  is  rare  in  combination  with  these,  considerable  practice.  LiJ> 
of  Fulton,  p.  122. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK.  160 

there,  and  in  the  mean  time  to  order  an  engine  to  be 
made  in  England.  On  the  arrival  at  New-York  of 
Mr.  Fulton,  which  was  not  till  1806,  they  immedi- 
diately  engaged  in  building  a  boat  of,  what  was  then 
considered,  very  considerable  dimensions.  This  boat 
began  to  navigate  the  Hudson  river  in  1807  ;  its  pro- 
gress through  the  water  was  at  the  rate  of  5  miles  an 
hour.  In  the  course  of  the  ensuing  winter,  it  was 
enlarged  to  a  boat  of  140  feet  keel,  and  16i  feet 
beam.  The  legislature  of  the  state  was  so  fully 
convinced  of  the  great  utility  of  the  invention,  and  of 
the  interest  the  state  had  in  its  encouragement,  that 
they  made  a  new  contract  with  Mr.  Livingston  and 
Mr.  Fulton  by  which  they  extended  the  term  of 
their  exclusive  right,  for  5  years  for  every  boat  they 
should  build,  provided  the  whole  term  should  not  ex 
ceed  30  years."* 

The  first  steam  boat,  built  according  to  the  direc- 
tions of  Mr.  Fulton,  was  launched  in  the  spring  of 
1 807,  from  a  ship  yard  on  the  Ea3t  river.  "  Nothing 
could  exceed  the  surprise  and  admiration  of  all  who 
witnessed  the  experiment.  The  minds  of  the  most 
incredulous  were  changed  in  a  few  minutes.  Before 
the  boat  had  made  the  progress  of  a  quarter  of  a  mile, 
the  greatest  unbeliever  must  have  been  converted. 
The  man  who,  while  he  looked  on  the  expensive 
machine,  thanked  his  stars  that  he  had  more  wisdom 
than  to  waste  his  money  on  such  idle  schemes,  chang- 
ed the  expression  of  his  features  as  the  boat  moved 
from  the  wharf  and  gained  her  speed;  his  complacent 
smile  gradually  stiffened  into  an  expression  of  won- 
der. The  jeers  of  the  ignorant,  who  had  neither 
sense  nor  feeling  enough  to  suppress  their  contemptu- 
ous ridicule  and  rude  jokes,  were  silenced  for  a  mo- 
ment by  a  vulgar  astonishment,  which  deprived  them 
of  the  power  of  utterance,  till  the  triumph  of  genius 
extorted  from  the  incredulous  multitude  which  croud- 


*IAfe  of  Fulton  p.  150—1. 
P 


]70  THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 

ed  the  shores,  shouts  and  acclamations  of  congratula- 
tion and  applause."* 

Thus  it  is  with  the  narrow  minded  and  vulgar  in 
every  country.  If  any  feeling  actuates  the  one  at 
the  moment  he  condemns,  it  is  that  of  envy :  the  con- 
duct of  the  other  flows  from  insensibility.  It  was  the 
complete  success  of  the  invention,  without  any  re- 
regard  to  the  inventor,  which  drew  from  both  the 
shouts  and  acclamations.  Had  it  failed,  the  envious 
would  have  continued  to  hug  themselves  upon  their 
superior  wisdom,  while  the  ignorant,  if  they  ever 
ventured  to  open  their  lips,  would  not  have  been 
slow  in  pronouncing  the  inventor  a  fool. 

The  vessel,  which  had  been  launched  in  such  aus- 
picious circumstances,  was  called  the  Clermont,  of 
160  tons  burden.  Her  first  voyage  was  to  Albany, 
and  Mr.  Fulton  himself  went  a  passenger.  We 
have  seen  what  the  sentiments  of  those  were  who 
saw  the  Clermont  launched,  and  who  were  aware  of 
the  use  to  which  she  was  to  be  applied.  The  ac- 
count of  the  impressions  produced  on  the  minds  of 
those  who  were  previously  ignorant  of  her  existence, 
on  seeing  her,  for  the  first  time,  moving  upon  the 
waters,  is  equally  interesting,  and  evinces  the  ex- 
tended influence  which  superstition  has  acquired  over 
the  human  mind. 

44  The  Clermont,  on  her  first  voyage,  arrived  at  her 
destination  without  any  accident.  She  excited  the 
astonishment  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  shores  of  the 
Hudson,  many  of  whom  had  not  heard  even  of  an  en- 
gine, much  less  of  a  steam  boat.  There  were  many 
descriptions  of  the  effects  of  her  first  appearance 
upon  the  banks  of  the  river :  some  of  these  were  ri- 
diculous ;  but  some  of  them  were  of  such  a  charac- 
ter, as  nothing  but  an  object  of  real  grandeur  could 
have  excited.  She  was  described  by  some  who  had 
indistinctly  seen  her  passing  in  the  night,  to  those 


*  Lift  of  Fulton,  p  168. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


171 


who  had  not  a  view  of  her,  as  a  monster  moving  on 
the  waters^,  defying  the  winds  and  tide,  and  breathing- 
flames  and  smoke.  She  had  the  most  terrific  appear- 
ance from  other  vessels,  which  were  navigating-  the 
river,  when  she  was  making  her  passage.  The  first 
stear,  boats,  as  others  yet  do,  used  dry  pine  wood  for 
fuel,  which  sends  forth  a  column  of  ignited  vapour 
many  feet  above  the  flue,  and  whenever  the  fire  is 
stirred,  a  galaxy  of  sparks  fly  off,  and,  in  the  night, 
have  a  very  brilliant  and  beautiful  appearance.  This 
uncommon  light  first  attracted  the  attention  of  the 
crews  of  other  vessels.  Notwithstanding  the  wind 
and  tide  were  adverse  to  its  approach,  they  saw  with 
astonishment  that  it  was  rapidly  coming  towards 
them  ;  and  when  it  came  so  near  as  that  the  noise  of 
the  machinery  and  paddles  were  heard,  the  crews,  (if 
what  was  said  in  the  newspapers  of  the  times  be 
true,)  in  some  instances,  shrunk  beneath  their  decks 
from  the  terrific  sight,  and  left  their  vessels  to  go  on 
shore,  while  others  prostrated  themselves,  and  be- 
sought Providence  to  protect  them  from  the  approach- 
es of  the  horrible  monster,  which  was  marching:  on 
the  tides  and  lighting  in  paths  by  the  fires  which  it 
vomited."* 

It  would  be  useless  to  descant  upon  the  great  utili- 
ty attending  the  introduction  of  steam  boats.  Their 
gener  al  use  in  Europe  as  well  as  in  the  United  States, 
is  the  best  proof  that  can  be  given  of  this.  It  is  de- 
serving of  notice,  however,  that  the  accidents'  which 
have  lately  taken  place  in  these  vessels  by  the  explo- 
sion of  their  boilers,  have  arisen,  altogether,  where 
machinery  of  a  different  construction  from  that  in- 
troduced by  Mr.  Fulton,  has  been  used.  In  no  in- 
stance has  any  thing  occurred,  on  board  a  steam  ves- 
sel acting  upon  the  principles  which  he  adopted,  to 
endanger  the  life  of  a  single  individual.  Those 
therefore  who  may  entertain  prejudices  against  the  use 


*  Life  of  Fulton,  p.  173. 


172  THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 

of  steam  boats,  ought  justly  to  discriminate  between 
the  productions  of  a  man  that  have  stood  the  test  of 
experience,  and  obtained  universal  approbation,  and 
those  of  a  set  of  pretenders  to  discovery,  who  have 
introduced  nothing  new  into  their  machines  but  what 
has  proved  highly  injurious  to  society.  It  is  in  the 
contemplation  of  Congress,  we  understand,  to  regu- 
late the  construction  of  steam  boats  in  such  a  way  as 
to  prevent  the  possibilty  of  future  accidents.  We 
trust,  that  in  this  laudable  effort,  they  will  not  lose 
sight  of  the  interest  of  those  who  have  the  best  right 
to  enjoy  the  fruits  of  the  unbounded  zeal,  the  labour, 
and  the  talents,  of  the  lamented  Fulton. 

The  number  of  steam  vessels  built  in  the  city  of 
New- York,  under  the  direction  and  superintendance, 
or  according  to  the  plan  of  Mr.  Fulton,  is  15.  Of 
these  the  steam  frigate  Fulton  the  First  is  the  largest. 
"We  have  given  some  account  of  her  under  the  head 
"  forts  and  fortifications." — The  tonnage  of  the 
others,  except  the  last  built,  is  from  118  to  370  tons. 
The  Chancellor  Livingston,  launched  in  1816,  is  52ft 
tons  burthen.  This  vessel  sails  from  New-York  to 
Albany,  and  is  the  handsomest  and  largest  passage 
boat  impelled  by  steam  in  the  world.  She  measures 
165  feet  in  length,  and  about  50  in  width.  Her 
boiler,  which  is  of  copper,  weighs  20  tons,  and  is  of 
80  horse  power.  There  is  ample  accommodation  for 
200  passengers,  besides  births  for  30  or  40  people  em- 
ployed about  the  vessel.  On  deck  there  is  a  ladies' 
cabin,  handsomely  and  conveniently  fitted  up;  cap- 
tain's office,  and  mail  office ;  also  a  baggage  house, 
smoking  and  wash  room,  and  births  for  common  sol- 
diers, all  properly  arranged  and  separate  from  each 
other.  Below  there  are  three  sleeping  cabins  for  gen- 
tlemen, the  largest  of  which  is  also  commodiously 
fitted  up  as  a  dining  room  for  the  use  of  the  whole  of 
the  passengers.  There  is  likewise  a  kitchen  and 
pantry,  every  way  adapted  to  their  several  uses.  Not- 
withstanding the  immense  bulk  of  this  vessel,  and 


TO  THE  CUT  OF  NEW-YORK.  173 

the  great  weight  she  carries,  she  has  been  known  to 
sail  at  the  rate  of  15  miles  an  hour,  wind  and  tide  in 
her  favour.  Her  ordinary  course,  against  wind  and 
tide,  is  about  10  miles  an  hour. 

Tiie  two  boats  employed  between  New -York  and 
Jersey,  "  are  called  twin  boats  each  of  them  being 
two  complete  hulls,  united  by  a  deck  or  bridge.  They 
are  sharp  at  both  ends,  and  move  equally  well  with 
either  end  foremost  ;  so  that  they  cross  and  recross 
without  losing  any  time  by  turning  about.  He  (Mr. 
F.)  contrived,  with  great  ingenuity,  floating  docks 
for  the  reception  of  these  boats,  and  a  means  by 
which  they  are  brought  to  them  without  a  shock*." 

"  The  last  passage  boat  which  was  constructed 
under  Mr.  Fulton's  directions,  and  entirely  accord- 
ing to  drawings  and  plans  furnished  by  him,  is  the 
boat  which  navigates  the  sound  from  New-York  to 
New-Haven.  She  is  nearly  400  tons  burden  ;  built 
with  uncommon  strength,  and  is  fitted  up  with  great 
convenience  and  elegance.  She  is  the  first  steam 
boat  that  had  a  round  bottom  like  a  ship.  This 
form  was  adopted  because,  for  a  great  part  of  her 
route,  she  would  be  as  much  exposed  as  she  would 
be  on  the  ocean.  It  was,  therefore,  necessary  to 
make  her  a  perfect  sea  boat.  She  passes  daily  and 
at  all  times  of  the  tide,  the  dangerous  strait  of  Hell- 
Gate,  where,  for  the  distance  of  nearly  a  mile,  she 
often  encounters  a  current  running  at  the  rate  of  at 
least  6  miles  an  hour.  For  some  distance  she  has 
within  a  few  yards  of  her  on  each  aide,  rocks  and 
whirlpools  which  rival  Scylla  and  Charybdis  even  as 
they  are  poetically  described.  This  passage,  previ- 
ously to  its  being  navigated  by  this  vessel,  was  al- 
ways supposed  to  be  impassable  except  at  certain 
stages  of  the  tide ;  and  many  a  shipwreck  has  been 
occasioned  by  a  small  mistake  in  the  time.  The 
boat  passing  through  these  whirlpools  with  rapidity, 


•  Lift  of  Fulton,  p.  186, 

P  2 


174 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUTDE 


while  tbe  angry  waters  are  foaming'  against  her  bows, 
and  appear  to  raise  themselves  in  obstinate  resistance 
to  her  passage,  is  a  proud  triumph  of  human  ingen- 
uity. The  owners  as  the  highest  tribute  they  had 
in  their  power  to  offer  to  his  genius,  and  as  an  evi- 
dence of  the  gratitude  they  owed  him,  called  her  The 

FuLTONf." 

The  patron — the  inventor  are  no  more.  But  the 
names  of  Livingston  and  of  Fulton,  dear  to  fame, 
shall  be  engraven  on  a  monument  sacred  to  the  bene- 
factors of  mankind.  There  generations  yet  unborn 
shall  read, 

Godfrey  taught  seamen  to  interrogate, 

With  steady  gaze,  though  tempest  tost,  the  sun ; 

And  from  his  beam  true  oracle  obtain. 

Franklin,  dread  thunderbolts,  with  daring  hand, 

Seized,  and  averted  their  destructive  stroke 

From  unprotected  dwellings  of  mankind. 

Fulton,  by  flame,  compelled  the  angry  sea, 

To  vapour  rarified,  his  bark  to  drive 

In  triumph  proud,  thro'  the  loud  sounding  surge*. 

In  the  year  1815  a  company  was  formed  for  the 
navigation  of  the  East  river  under  the  denomination 
of 

The  Fulton  S learn  Boat  Company,  It  is  compos- 
ed of  many  of  the  intimate  friends  of  Mr.  Fulton, 
from  whom  they  acquired  right  to  this  navigation. 
Among  these  we  find  the  name  of  Cadwallader  D» 
Colden,  the  intelligent  and  respectable  biographer  of 
Fulton.  The  charter  of  this  company  is  dated  April 
18th  1815,  and  endures  until  April  1 1th  1838.  Their 
capital  stock  is  250,000  dollars,  divided  into  shares 
of  500  dollars  each.  The  management  is  in  the  hands 
of  5  directors,  who  are  elected,  on  the  1  st  of  May 
annually,  by  the  stockholders. 

t  Life  of  Fulton,?  190 

*  C$v.  Morris  Inaugral  Discourse :  See  Life  of  Fullon  p.  364. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK. 


175 


The  York  and  Jersey  Steam  Boat  Ferry  Company. 
This  association  existed  for  several  years  prior  to 
1814,  under  the  name  of  "  the  Steam  Boat  ferry 
Company."  They  had  rented  from  the  city  Corpora- 
tion, and  from  the  Jersey  Company,  for  the  term  of 
18  years  from  May  1st  1811,  "the  Powles  Hook 
Ferry,"  on  which  they  established  the  two  boats, 
built  on  Mr.  Fulton's  principles,  now  plying-  be- 
tween New-York  and  Jersey.  On  March  18th  1814, 
they  obtained  a  charter  of  incorporation,  under  their 
prpsent  name,  to  endure  for  15  years  from  the  1st  of 
May  thereafter.  The  capital  stock  of  this  company 
is  120.000  dollars,  divided  into  shares  of  100  dollars 
each  ;  the  members  of  the  original  association  being 
entitled,  in  addition  to  their  original  subscriptions, 
to  hold  10  shares  each  of  the  new  stock.  Every 
stockholder  to  the  amount  of  20  shares,  has  liberty 
to  pass  and  repass  this  ferry  with  his  family,  servants, 
carriages  and  horses,  free  from  any  charge  of  ferriage. 
The  affairs  of  the  company  are  managed  by  5  direc- 
tors, who  are  chosen  on  the  1st  Saturday  of  May  an- 
nually. Their  by-laws  are  subject  to  the  review  and 
alteration  of  the  Common  Council. 

Brooklyn  Ferry  Company.  The  persons  compos- 
ing this  association  are  not  incorporated.  It  appears 
that  the  Common  Council  contracted,  in  the 
year  18 IS,  with  Mr.  Fulton  and  Mr.  Cutting, 
by  which  a  steam  boat  was  to  be  in  operation  on  this 
ferry  by  the  1st  of  May  following.  This  contract 
having  been  entered  upon  undet'  the  expectation, 
that  permission  would  be  granted  to  encrease  the  old 
rates  of  ferriage,  an  application  to  the  legislature,  was 
made  by  the  Common  Council,  and  an  act  obtained, 
March  4th  1814,  by  which  the  fare  for  a  single  pas- 
senger was  raised  from  two  to  four,  cents.-  In  other 
respects  the  old  rates  were  confirmed*.    Since  then, 


*  See  Rates  of  ferriage  and  Regulations,  in  the  Appendix* 


176 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


the  same  steam  boat  has  continued  to  ply  on  this  fer- 
ry. She  is  named  /'The  Nassau  Ferry  Boat;"  her 
length  is  78  feet  6  inches  by  33  feet ;  her  boiler  20 
by  10,  and  8  in  depth;  the  cylinder  of  her  engine 
20,  stroke  4 — 6 ;  the  diameter  of  her  water  wheel 
12,  and  the  length  of  her  bucket  4.  She  usually 
crosses  from  one  tide  to  the  other,  in  about  t>  minutes. 


BENEVOLENT,  CHARITABLE,  AND  FRIEND- 
LY INSTITUTIONS  AND  SOCIETIES. 

The  institutions  of  this  description  are  numerous, 
and,  in  general,  highly  creditable  to  their  supporters. 
Those  established  for  the  purpose  of  affording  pecu- 
niary assistance,  might,  at  first  sight,  seem  to  indi- 
cate great  poverty  ;  but,  it  will  be  found,  that  the 
class  of  society  which  they  are  intended  to  benefit, 
does  not,  when  compared  with  other  countries,  bear 
an  equal  proportion  to  the  population.  Still  there 
seems  to  be  a  defect  in  the  mode  of  affording  relief 
now  prevailing  in  this  city.  While  the  hand  of  cha- 
rity is  kindly  and  widely  stretched  out,  few  seem  to 
be  aware  of  the  evil  which  this  has  a  tendency  to 
produce  upon  the  objects  of  it.  Extreme  cases  may 
be  supposed,  and,  no  doubt,  have  occurred,  where 
pecuniary  aid  has  produced  beneficial  effects.  But 
there  are  few  exceptions  to  this  principle,  that  when 
an  individual  once  condescends  to  put  himself  on  the 
footing  of  a  pauper,  he,  from  that  moment,  falls  in 
his  own  estimation.  The  proud  reflection,  that  he  is 
an  independent  many  is  henceforth  destroyed,  and  he 
gradually  becomes  not  only  regardless  of  his  former 
fair  fame,  but  indifferent  to  his  political  rights,  and  a 
slave  to  the  worst  passions  of  degraded  humanity. 

The  cure  for  these  evils  is  plain  and  practicable  : 
let  the  wants  of  no  one,  who  is  able  to  work,  be  sup- 
plied, unless  he  contribute  to  the  general  stock. 
Let  an  association  be  formed,  for  the  purpose  of  giv- 
ing employment  to  the  poor,  particularly  during  win= 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK.  177 

ter,  in  those  professions  to  which  every  member  of 
|  society  is  obliged  to  have  daily  recourse.  An  esta- 
tablishment  of  this  nature  would  not  require  a  large 
sum  to  put  it  in  operation.  After  this  was  done,  it 
i  would  afford  permanent  relief,  and  keep  up,  in  the 
i  breasts  of  those  whom  it  was  intended  to  benefit,  that 
respect  which  a  free  man  ought  always  to  entertain 
for  himself.  Here  the  numerous  idle  and  dissipated 
children  that  infest  the  streets,  would  likewise  be 
taught  habits  of  industry,  without  which  all  the  edu- 
cation in  the  world  is  of  no  avail ;  and  even  adults, 
who  might  not  have  acquired  a  mechanical  trade  in 
their  youth,  would  with  proper  care,  in  such  an  in- 
stitution, soon  learn  to  employ  themselves  in  some 
useful  branch.  At  all  events,  any  sort  of  employ- 
ment would  be  preferable  to  idleness. 

As  a  matter  of  policy,  also,  this  is  a  measure  which 
ought  to  be  countenanced.  It  would  relieve  the  pub- 
lic of  a  great  proportion  of  the  heavy  contributions, 
which  they  are  annually  called  upon  to  pay,  for  the 
relief  of  the  poor,  as  well  as  of  those  donations  which 
they  are  induced,  from  benevolent  motives,  privately 
to  bestow  upon  the  distressed.  This  sort  of  charity 
is,  at  best,  of  a  temporary  nature ;  the  other  would 
be  lasting,  while  the  condition  of  the  poor  would  be 
more  effectually  meliorated,  and  society  progres- 
sively improved. 

The  following  benevolent  institutions  now  exist  in 
this  city. — 

Humane  Society.  This  excellent  institution  was 
originally  formed  by  a  few  philanthropic  gentlemen 
as  far  back  as  26th  January,  1737.  It  was  named 
the  "  Society  for  the  relief  of  distressed  debtors," 
having  then  the  melioration  of  the  sufferings  of  that 
class  only  in  view.  In  1 803  the  name  was  changed 
to  that  which  it  now  bears,  and  in  1806  it  extended 
its  plan  so  as  to  include  the  recovery  of  persons  ap- 
parently dead  from  drowning.  On  4th  February, 
1814,  the  society  obtained  a  charter  of  incorporation. 


178  THE  STRANG  EK^S  GUIDE 

tk  This,"  observes  the  Collector  of  the  laws  of  New- 
York,  44  is  the  first  institution  of  the  kind  in  this  state 
which  has  for  its  avowed  object  the  relief  of  impri- 
soned debtors.  A  society  of  a  similar  title  in  the 
city  of  Albany  has  been  instituted  for  the  resuscita- 
tion of  drowned  persons,  &c.  but  it  is  not  blendfid 
with  the  other  humane  object  of  relieving  imprison- 
ed debtors." 

The  views  of  the  Humane  Society  are  now  direct- 
ed to  the  following  branches:  1st,  the  support  and 
clothing  of  debtors  in  prison,  and,  as  connected  with 
the  former,  the  maintenance  of  a  soup  house  esta- 
blishment. 2d.  The  liberation  of  such  debtors  as  are 
by  law  entitled  to  be  discharged,  and  of  such  as  are 
confined  for  small  sums,  and  are  peculiarly  deserving 
Of  assistance.  3d.  The  distribution  of  soup  to  the 
poor  in  general,  especially  in  cases  of  general  public 
Calamity.  4th.  The  resuscitation  of  persons  appa- 
rently dead  from  drowning.  A  favourite  object  also 
of  the  society  is  to  discourage  the  practice  of  street 
begging. 

This  institution  was  supported  by  casual  donations 
for  a  considerable  period.  For  some  time,  however, 
it  has  depended  on  annual  subscriptions,  which  ena- 
bled the  committee  of  management  to  erect  a  soup 
house,  in  which  they  wqre  greatly  assisted  by  a  do- 
nation from  the  Corporation  of  this  city  of  600  dol- 
lars, and  the  lot  of  ground,  in  Try  on -street,  on  which 
the  house  is  built.  By  their  charter  the  society  may 
hold  an  estate  of  the  value  of  3,000  dollars.  Its  af- 
fairs are  managed  by  a  President,  Vice-President, 
Treasurer,  Secretary,  and  a  Committee  of  21  mem- 
bers, who  are  elected  annually.  They  meet  stated- 
ly on  the  1st  Wednesday  of  every  month.  There  is 
also  a  visiting  Committee  of  three,  who  are  appoint- 
ed monthly,  and  whose  duty  it  is  to  superintend  the 
soup  house,  and  to  visit  the  debtors  prison  once,  at 
Jeast,  every  week. 

In  the  Appendix  will  be  found  the  directions,  pub- 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK.  179 

lished  by  the  society,  for  the  recovery  of  persons  ap- 
parently drowned ;  and  to  prevent  the  fatal  effects 
of  drinking-  cold  water. 

New-York  Dispensary,  was  incorporated  April  8th, 
1795,  for  the  purpose  of  affording-  relief  to  the  sick 
poor  who,  from  peculiar  circumstances,  cannot  avail 
themselves  of  the  benefit  of  the  hospital.  The  soci- 
ety may  hold  funds  to  the  amount  of  1,200  pounds 
annually.  A  subscription  of  5  dollars  constitutes  a 
member  for  one  year  ;  10  dollars  for  two  years ;  and 
50  dollars  for  life.  An  annual  subscriber  of  5  dollars 
is  entitled,  during-  that  period,  to  place  2  patients  on 
the  Dispensary  list,  and  for  every  2i  dollars  addition- 
al, another  patient.  Members  for  life,  may  have  2 
patients  constantly  on  the  list. 

The  management  of  the  institution  is  in  the  hands 
of  13  Trustees,  who  have  stated  meeting's  on  the  3d 
Monday  of  every  month  ;  they  also  visit  the  Dispen- 
sary once  a  month.  There  is  likewise  6  attending- 
physicians,  6  consulting  physicians,  and  an  apothe- 
cary, annually  elected  by  the  trustees.  The  city  is 
divided  into  six  districts,  to  each  of  which  a  physician 
is  allotted,  whose  duty  it  is  to  give  constant  attention 
to  the  poor.  The  other  6  are  appointed  to  be  called 
on  in  difficult  or  dangerous  cases.  They  receive 
each  an  annual  salary  of  100  dollars.  The  apothe- 
cary, who  must  attend  daily  at  the  Dispensary,  re- 
ceives 250  dollars  per  annum.  Persons  wishing-  to 
be  relieved  must  bring  a  certificate,  sig-ned  by  a  con- 
tributor to  the  institution,  that  they  are  proper  objects. 

Vaccine,  or  Kine  Pock,  Institution.  This  esta- 
blishment took  its  rise  in  1802,  and  was  countenanced 
by  the  most  eminent  physicians  in  New-York,  who, 
greatly  to  the  credit  of  the  faculty,  allowed  no  con- 
siderations of  interest  to  obstruct  the  laudable  at- 
tempt then  making-  to  eradicate  the  small  pox,  that 
terrific  scourge  of  human  nature.  The  countenance 
thus  given  to  the  institution  soon  rendered  it  of  suffi- 
cient importance  to  induce  the  Trustees  of  the  Dis* 


130 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


pensary  to  take  its  affairs  under  their  own  manage- 
ment :  since  which,  vaccine  inoculation  has  been 
daily  and  successfully  performed  gratis  on  the  chil- 
dren of  the  poor,  by  the  physicians  of  that  establish- 
ment. During  the  first  year  this  society  existed, 
there  were  500  children  vaccinated  in  New- York  and 
New-Jersey;  in  1812,  there  were  1000  in  New-York 
and  Massachusetts  ;  the  following  year  2560  in  New- 
York  alone;  and  in  1314,  in  Connecticut  and  New- 
York,  there  were  4500;  none  of  which  died  of  the 
vaccine,  or  had  taken  the  small  pox,  up  to  the  end  of 
the  year  1815.* 

Deaf  and  Dumb  Institution.  The  object  of  this 
infant  society  is  to  afford  "  the  necessary  means  of 
instruction  to  the  deaf  and  dumb,  and  also  to  provide 
for  the  support  and  maintenance  of  those  in  that  con- 
dition, whose  parents  are  unable  to  maintain  them 
during  their  course  of  tuition."  It  was  incorporated 
April  15th,  1817,  the  charter  to  endure  for  20  years. 
The  real  and  personal  estate  is  limited  to  5,000  dol- 
ars  per  annum.  The  management  is  in  the  hands  o 
a  President,  2  Vice-Presidents,  .  measurer,  Secreta- 
ry, and  a  Board  of  Directors,  consisting  of  20  mem- 
bers, who  are  elected  annually.  Two  thirds,  at  least, 
of  the  Directors  must  be  residents  of  the  city  and 
county,  and  7  constitute  a  quorum. 

Manumission  Society.  This  society  took  its  rise  in 
1785,  and  was  incorporated  19th  February,  1808. 
Its  affairs  are  managed  by  a  committee,  the  mem- 
bers of  which  are  indefatigable  in  their  efforts  to  me- 
liorate the  condition  of  the  negro  slaves  in  this  state, 
by  effectually  obtaining  those  advantages  for  them 
which  are  already  sanctioned  by  its  laws,  and  by  con- 
ferring on  them  a  virtuous  education.  The  fruits  of 
their  labour  are  every  day  appearing  in  the  gradual  , 
diminution  of  slaves,  who,  through  their  unwearied 
exertions,  are  now  enjoying  tlte  privileges  of  freemen. 


#  Progrcts  9f  vccciitrfion  in  Amenrn  by  Dr.  Fcmvff*. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK.  181 

and  the  advantages  consequent  on  liberal  instruction. 
The  office  bearers  of  the  society  are  a  President, 
2  Vice-Presidents,  Secretary,  Assistant  Secretary, 
Treasurer,  and  a  standing  Committee,  who  have  a 
Chairman.  The  officers  of  the  school  are  a  Board 
of  Trustees,  a  Secretary,  Chairman,  and  7  Counsel- 
lors. There  is  also  a  Committee  of  Correspondence, 
with  a  Chairman  and  Secretary  ;  and  a  Committee 
of'/  ays  and  Means,  with  a  Secretary. 

Marine  Society.  On  12th  April,  1770,  this  society 
was  incorporated,  and  its  funds  limited  to  £3,000 
ptej  ling  per  ^annum.  Its  immediate  objects  are  the 
improvement  of  maritime  knowledge,  and  the  relief 
of  jndfgent  masters  of  vessels,  their  widows,  and  or- 
phans. The  affairs  of  this  institution  are  managed  by 
a  Committee  of  magistrates,  merchants,  and  mari- 
ners, who  appoint  office-bearers  annually,  for  giving 
more  ready  effect  to  the  purposes  of  the  institution. 

Sailors*  Snug  Harbour.  This  is  a  commodious 
building,  situated  near  the  top  of  Broadway.  It  was 
Driginally  devised  by  a  Captain  Randall,  together 
with  considerable  property  adjoining,  for  the  purpose 
Df  maintaining  worn  out  and  decriped  seamen.  With 
that  view  he  executed  a  trust-deed  on  the  1st  of  June, 
1801,  by  which  he  nominated  the  mayor  and  recorder 
)f  the  city,  the  president  of  the  Chamber  of  Com- 
nerce,  the  president  and  vice-president  of  the  Ma- 
ine Society,  and  the  senior  clergymen  of  the  episco- 
>al  and  presbyterian  churches,  as  trustees ;  and  on 
he  6th  of  February,  1806,  they  obtained  an  act  of 
ncorporation.  The  property  left  by  Captain  Ran- 
iall  was  originally  estimated  at  50,000  dollars.  From 
ts  near  vicinity  and  favourable  situation,  it  has  since 
Teatly  increased  in  value,  and  now  affords  a  snug 
.nd  comfortable  asylum  to  those  brave  defenders  of 
heir  country,  who  from  age  or  honourable  wounds, 
.re  no  longer  able  to  fight  the  battles  of  their  coun- 
ry.    Bv  a  recent  act,  the  trustees  are  required  to 


182 


THE  STRANGERS  GUIDE 


report  aunually  to  the  legislature,  and  to  the  Cora-* 
inon  Council,  as  to  the  state  of  their  funds. 

Shamrock  Friendly  Association,  was  formed  in 
1815,  for  the  purpose  of  befriending-  emigrants  on 
their  arrival  in  the  United  States.  This  is  done  by 
giving*  them  useful  information,  and  procuring"  them 
employment.  The  society  is  composed  chiefly  of  the 
natives  of  Ireland ;  but  their  views  are  not  confined 
to  country,  politics,  or  religion.  It  is  enough  that 
the  applicant  is  a  stranger,  to  engage  their  attention. 
They  have  already  procured  employment  for  up- 
wards of  1,200  individuals  in  various  parts  of  the 
country.  Having  a  regular  correspondence  and  con- 
nexion with  most  of  the  Irish  societies  in  the  union, 
they  are  enabled  to  act  at  a  distance  with  great  ef- 
fect. ^ 

During  last  year,  the  society  published  a  useful 
pamphlet,  entitled  "  Hints  to  Emigrants  from  Europe 
who  intend  to  make  a  permanent  residence  in  the 
United  States."  It  has  been  re-published  in  the 
United  States  and  in  Europe ;  and  contains  valuable 
information,  which  ought  to  be  known  by  eve ry 
stranger  on  his  arrival  here : — It  considers,  "  1st, 
what  relates  to  his  personal  safety  in  a  new  climate  ; 
2d,  his  interests  as  a  probationary  resident ;  and  3d, 
his  future  rights  and  duties  as  a  member  of  a  free 
state."  On  the  most  interesting  and  important  sub- 
ject to  the  generality  of  emigrants,  viz.  employment, 
it  gives  the  following  correct  information : 

"  Industrious  men  need  never  lack  employment  in 
America.  Labourers,  carpenters,  masons,  bricklay- 
ers, stonecutters,  blacksmiths,  weavers,  turners,  far- 
mers, curriers,  taylors  and  shoemakers,  and  the  use- 
ful mechanics  generally  are  always  sure  of  wok  and 
wages.  Stonecutters  now  receive  in  this  city  (New- 
York)  2  dollars  a  day,  equal  to  9  shillings  sterling  ; 
carpenters  1  dollar  and  874  cents ;  bricklayers  2 
dollars ;  labourers  from  1  dollar  to  1  and  a  quarter ; 
others  in  proportion.     At  this  time  (.July. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK.  183 

home  carpenters,  bricklayers,  masons  and  stonecut- 
ters are  paid  3  dollars  per  day  in  Petersburgh,  Vir- 
ginia. The  town  was  totally  consumed  by  fire  about 
a  year  since,  but  it  is  now  rising-  from  its  ashes  in 
more  elegance  than  ever.  Mechanics  will  find  em- 
ployment there  for,  perhaps,  two  years  to  come." — 
"  There  are  not  many  of  the  laborious  classes  whom 
we  would  advise  to  reside  or  even  loiter  in  great 
towns,  because  as  much  will  be  spent  during  a  long 
winter  as  can  be  made  through  a  toilsome  summer, 
so  that  a  man  may  be  kept  a  moneyless  drudge  for 
life." — "  Men  of  science,  who  can  apply  their  know- 
ledge to  useful  and  practical  purposes,  may  be  very 
advantageously  settled ;  but  mere  literary  scholars, 
who  have  no  profession,  or  only  one  which  they  can- 
not profitably  practice  in  this  country,  do  not  meet 
with  much  encouragement ;  in  truth,  with  little  or 
none,  unless  they  are  willing  to  devote  themselves 
to  the  education  of  youth." 

This  institution  is  conducted  by  a  president,  two 
vice-presidents,  secretary,  assistant  secretary,  trea- 
surer, and  a  committee  of  superintendance,  consisting1 
of  four  members,  who  are  elected  annually. 


The  Society  of  Tammany  or  Columbian  Order, 
was  instituted  on  the  9th  April,  1805,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  affording  relief  to  the  indigent  and  distressed 
generally.  It  consists  of  persons  in  the  higher  ranks 
of  life,  w  ho  hold  regular  meetings  in  Tammany  Hall, 
corner  of  Nassau  and  Frankfort  streets.  The  society 
is  incorporated,  and  the  annual  stock  they  are  allow- 
ed to  possess  for  charitable  purposes,  is  limited  to 
5.000  dollars.  This  association  derives  its  name  from 
an  Indian  chief  called  Tammany,  no  less  celebrated 
for  his  valour  than  for  his  benevolence  and  humanity. 

Society  of  Cincinnati,  hold  their  meetings  at  Wash- 
ington Hall,  Broadway.  It  is  composed  of  citizens, 
who,  after  having  fought  in  the  armies  of  the  repub- 


184  the  stthnoer's  guide 

lie  during  the  revolutionary  war,  returned  on  its  ter- 
mination to  their  fanner  employments.  This  resem- 
blance to  the  Roman  dictator  Cincinnatus,  induced 
these  military  veterans  to  form  themselves  into  a  so- 
ciety bearing'  his  name,  for  the  purposes  of  general 
benevolence.  They  have  frequent  meetings  to  ce- 
lebrate public  events  connected  with  the  revolution, 
and  to  felicitate  each  other  on  the  part  which  they 
took  in  that  memorable  struggle. 

Provident  Society,  was  incorporated  February  16, 
1805,  for  the  purpose  of  eetablishing  a  fund  to  sup- 
port infirm  members,  and  their  widows  and  children, 
on  their  decease.  Their  capital  is  limited  by  their 
charter  to  10,000  dollars. 

Mutual  Benefit  Society,  Benevolent  Society,  and 
Albion  Benevolent  Society,  were  incorporated  by  the 
same  act  which  established  the  Provident  Society. 
Their  funds  are  restricted  to  the  same  amount,  and 
their  application  is  similar. 

Female  Society,  for  the  relief  of  poor  widows  with 
small  children.  This  society  was  instituted  for  the 
purpose,  as  its  title  imports,  of  affording  relief  to 
destitute  widows  and  their  small  children.  It  com- 
menced its  benevolent  proceedings  in  the  end  of  the 
year  1797,  but  it  was  not  'till  April  2,  1802,  that  an 
act  of  incorporation  was  obtained  ;  this  was  to  endure 
until  March  1,  1810;  and,  on  the  April  following,  it 
was  extended  to  a  longer  period.  The  society, 
which  is  altogether  composed  of  females,  seldom  af- 
fords relief  in  money.  This  is  chiefly  done  in  neces- 
saries, and  the  greatest  care  is  taken  to  ascertain 
that  the  persons  to  whom  this  is  granted,  are  fit  ob- 
jects of  their  charity.  They  even  find  employment 
for  such  as  are  disposed  to  engage  in  it.  They  may 
hold  funds  to  the  amount  of  50,000  dollars,  applica- 
ble only  to  the  purposes  of  the  institution,  the  affairs 
of  which  are  conducted  by  2  directresses,  a  secre- 
tary, treasurer,  and  12  managers. 

Society  for  the  relief  of  Distressed  Firemen*  This 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK. 


133 


Society  is  composed  of  the  members  belonging  to  the 
^  Fire  Department  of  the  city  of  New-York,'1  who 
obtained  a  charter  March  20,  1798,  to  continue  for 
~0  year*.  Its  estate  is  limited  to  20,000  dollars, 
which  is  applied  to  the  relief  of  indigent  or  disabled 
firemen  ;  the  surplus,  if  any,  to  be  employed,  under 
the  direction  of  the  Common  Council,  in  extinguish- 
ing fires  in  the  city.  The  affairs  of  this  institution 
are  managed  by  a  president,  treasurer,  secretary, 
collector,  and  9  trustees. 

General  Society  of  Mechanics  and  Tradesmen. 
This  society  has  a  hall  corner  of  Broadway  and  Park- 
Place,  called  the  "  Mechanics'-Hall,  which  is  occu- 
pied as  a  hotel.  Here  they  hold  their  meetings, 
which  have  in  view  the  relief  of  decayed  and  distress- 
ed mechanics  and  tradesmen.  The  society  was  in- 
corporated March  14,  1792,  and  they  obtained  a  re- 
newal of  their  charter  April  3,  181 1. 

House  Carpenters'*  Society.  This  society  was  in- 
stituted March  14,  1806.  Its  charter  limits  its  funds 
to  1 0,000  dollars,  which  are  solely  applied  to  the  re- 
lief of  sick  and  infirm  members,  and  their  widows 
and  children. 

Masonic  Societies.  The  principal  object  of  these 
societies,  so  universally  spread  over  the  civilized 
world,  is  too  well  known  to  require  any  illustration 
here.  In  New- York  they  have  erected  a  neat  and 
convenient  building,  where  several  of  the  lodges 
meet,  called  Si.  John? s  Hall,  in  honour  of  their  tute- 
lary saint.  The  following  is  a  list  of  the  lodges  con- 
stituted in  this  city,  with  the  times  and  places  of  their 
meeting : 

Grand  Lodge,  the  1  Wed.  in  Mar.  June,  Sept.  and  Dec.  in  the 
City  Hotel.    Election  of  officers  at  June  mettiDg. 

Grand  Steward's  Lodge,  last  Wed  in  Feb.  May,  Aug.  and  Nov. 
City  Hotel: 

St  John's  Lodge,  No.  1,  the  2  &  4  Thurs.  at  Tammany  Hall. 
Independent  Royal  Arch  Lodge,  No  2,  2  &  4  Moo.   do.  4 
St  Jndrtw's  Lodge,  No.  3,  2  &  4  Frid.  &o> 
Q  2 


186 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


St.  John's  Lodge,  No.  6.  2  &  4  Wed.  at  St.  John's  Hall. 
Hiram  Lodge.,  No  7,  1  &  3  Tu.  do. 
Holland  Lodge,  No.  8,  1  k  3  Tu.  City  Hotel. 
Trinity  Lodge,  No.  10,  2  &  4  Mond  St  John's  Hall. 
Phoenix  Lodge,  No.  II,  2  &  4  Wed.  Tarcnnny  Hall. 
IS  Union  Francaise  Lodge,  No.  14,  1  k  3  Frid  do. 
Abram's  Lodge,  No  15.  1  k  3  Mond.  St  John's  Hall. 
Washington  Lodge,  No  16,  1  &  3  Tu.  Tammany  Hall. 
Warren  Lodge,  No.  17,  1  k  3  Thurs.  do. 
Adelphi  Lodge.  No.  18,  1  &  3  Thurs.  City  Hotel. 
Fraternal  Lodge,  No.  31,  1  &  3  Mond  Tar.many  Hall. 
Morton  Lodge,  No.  50,  1  &  3  Wed-  55  Nassau-street. 
Mount  Moriah  Ledge,  No.  132.  1  &3  Wed  Tammany  Hall. 
Benevolent  Lodge,  No.  U2,  2  Frid  55  N  assault  re  et. 
Clinton  Lodge  No.  U3,  2  &  4  Tu.  Tammany  Hall. 
New  Jerusalem  Lodge,  No.  158,  2  Tu  Manhattanville. 

Since  the  establishment  of  the  Common  School 
Fund  the  Masonic  Societies  of  New-York  have  creat- 
ed a  fund  for  the  education  of  the  children  of  destitute 
Masons,  sufficient  to  entitle  them  to  the  annual  al- 
lowance set  apart  by  the  legislature.  This  is  alto- 
gether independent  of  the  usual  donations  of  the  dif- 
ferent lodges  for  charitable  purposes. 

German  Society.  The  charter  of  this  society  is 
dated  6th  April  1814,  to  continue  for  21  years.  It 
was  instituted  for  the  purpose  of  giving1  pecuniary 
aid  to  German  emigrants,  and  assisting  such  other 
natives  of  that  country  and  their  descendants,  as 
might  be  reduced  in  their  circumstances.  The  af- 
fairs of  the  society  are  managed  by  a  Committee  and 
office  bearers  regularly  chosen;  and  its  funds  are 
limited  to  25,000  dollars. 

St.  Andrew's,  St.  Patrick's,  and  St.  George's 
Societies.  These  are  associations  of  Scotch,  Irish 
and  English,  who  meet  together  chiefly  for  the  pur- 
pose of  encouraging  social  intercourse.  They  are 
not  incorporated,  nor  have  they  any  established  funds ; 
but  when  cases  of  distress  occur,  they  are  always 
ready  to  give  assistance  by  voluntary  donations. 


TO  THE  CITY  OP  NEW-YORK.  187 

NeW'England  Society,  consists  of  the  natives  of, 
,  or  descendants  from,  the  states  of  Connecticut, 
fthode  Island,  Massachusetts,  New-Hampshire  and 
Vermont.    Their  objects  and  institution,  nearly  re- 
semble those  of  the  three  preceding*  Societies. 

Assistance  Society,  This  society  was  organized  in 
1808,  and  incorporated  17th  February,  1810.  It 
was  instituted  "  for  relieving  and  advising  sick  and 
poor  persons  in  the  city  of  New- York."  It  may 
hold  real  and  personal  estate  to  the  amount  of  25,000 
dollars,  and  the  charter  endures  till  1st  December 
1825.  The  management  is  conducted  by  a  presi- 
dent, vice-president,  treasurer,  secretary,  2  stewards, 
and  a  committee  of  9  members,  who  are  elected 
on  the  1st  Wednesday  of  December  annually. 

Butcher's  Benevolent  Society.  This  society  was 
incorporated  3d  March  1815,  to  continue  for  15  years. 
It  may  hold  an  estate  not  exceeding  5,000  dollars,  to 
be  applied  to  the  relief  of  indigent  and  distressed 
members,  their  widows  and  orphans.  The  affairs  of 
the  society  are  conducted  by  a  president,  vice  pre- 
sident, treasurer  and  secretary. 

Aged,  Indigent,  Female  Society.  This  society  was 
instituted  in  the  beginning  of  the  year  1814,  and  in- 
corporated March  10th  1815,  to  continue  15  years. 
It  consists  entirely  of  female  subscribers,  of  two  dol- 
lars each  per  annum.  Its  object  is  the  relief  of  res- 
pectable, aged,  indigent  females,  and  it  may  hold  an 
estate  to  the  amount  of  100,000  dollars .  The  affairs- 
of  the  society  are  intrusted  to  the  management  of  a 
board  of  Trustees,  composed  of  a  first  and  second 
directress,  treasurer,  secretary  and  12  managers, 
who  are  chosen  annually  on  the  last  Thursday  of 
November. 

Female  Association.  The  members  of  this  society 
consist  of  young  females  connected  with  the  respect- 
able body  of  Friends.  Their  charter  is  dated  March 
26th  1813,  to  continue  20  years.  Their  objects  are 
the  visiting  and  assisting  the  poor  sick,  and  obtain 


1GS  THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 

ing-  instruction  for  the  children  of  such  persona  as 
are  not  provided  for,  and  who  do  not  belong  to  any 
religious  society.  They  may  hold  property  of  the 
value  of  40,000  dollars.  Females  subscribing"  5 
dollars  per  annum  become  members.  The  affairs  of 
the  association  are  conducted  by  a  board  of  12  Ti  ns- 
tees,  who  are  elected  on  the  1st  Monday  of  June 
annually.  This  society,  by  a  special  clause  in  the 
act  of  incorporation,  is  entitled  to  a  share  of  the  Com- 
mon school  fund. 

Widows'1  Fund  Society,  was  incorporated  March 
10th  1815,  for  the  relief  of  the  widows  and  children 
of  deceased  clergymen  of  the  reformed  protestant 
Dutch  Church  in  the  United  States.  It  may  held 
funds  to  the  amount  of  2,500  dollars  per  annum,  and 
the  management  of  its  afFairs  is  in  the  hands  of  9 
Trustees,  a  President,  vice  President,  Treasurer, 
and  Secretary,  who  are  elected  on  the  1st  Tuesday 
of  June  annually.  Ten  members  of  the  Society  form 
a  quorum. 

Pilots''  Charitable  Society.  The  object  of  this  so- 
ciety is  "  for  the  relief  of  distressed  and  decayed 
pilots,  and  of  pilots'  widows  and  children."  l\  was 
incorporated  April  11th  1817,  and  may  hold  real  and 
personal^ estate  to  the  amount  of  3000  dollars  per 
annum.  Its  afFairs  are  managed  by  a  President, 
vice  President,  Treasurer,  Secretary  and  5  Trustees, 
who  are  elected  on  the  1st  Monday  of  February  an- 
nually. 

Female  Assistance  Society,  was  incorporated  April 
11th  1817,  "  for  the  relief  of  sick  poor  women  and 
children."  It  consists  of  females  only,  and  endures 
till  the  second  Monday  of  November  1830.  Its  funds 
are  hmited  to  3,000  dollars  ;  and  the  management  is 
in  the  hands  of  a  directress,  second  directress,  Treas- 
urer, Secretary  and  12  Managers,  and  as  many  assist- 
ants as  shall  be  deemed  necessary.  Office  bearers 
elected  on  the  second  Monday  of  November. 


TO  THE  CITY  OP  NEW-YORK.  189 

Roman  Catliolic  Benevolent  Society.  The  charted 
of  this  society  is  dated  April  15  th  1817.  It  was  insti- 
tuted "  for  the  humane  and  laudable  purposes  of  as- 
sisting and  relieving*  the  poor,  and  of  protecting  and 
educating  orphan  children."  Its  real  and  personal 
estate  is  limited  to  2.500  dollars  per  annum.  The 
management  is  confided  to  a  President,  3  vice  Pre- 
sidents, Secretary,  2  assistant  Secretaries,  Treasurer 
and  13  members,  who  are  elected  at  Whitsun  Mon- 
day annually.  Members  to  subscribe  no  greater 
sum  than  3  dollars  yearly,  and  21  assembled  at  any 
meeting-  have  power  to  transact  business. 


RELIGIOUS  INSTITUTIONS. 

If  the  piety  of  a  nation  is  be  estimated  according 
to  the  number  of  its  religious  institutions,  then,  in- 
deed, may  the  citizens  of  New- York  be  considered 
a  pious  and  religious  people.  There  are  no  less  than 
53  places  of  public  worship  within  the  city,  besides 
32  other  establishments,  all  devoted  to  religious 
purposes.  Making  allowances  for  the  infant  state  of 
American  institutions,  we  question  much  if  any 
country  in  Europe,  could,  with  the  same  population, 
exhibit  so  great  a  number  Hut  be  that  as  it  may, 
it  has  been  questioned  whether  this  vast  and  rapid 
extension  of  theology  has  rendered  mankind  more 
liberal-minded  or  less  avaricious  and  ambitious,  than 
their  brethren  on  the  other  side  the  Atlantic?  lVe 
do  not  profess  to  be  able  to  determine  this  ques- 
tion ;  but  of  this  we  are  pretty  certain,  that  the 
free  toleration  which  the  law  allows  to  all  sects  and 
parties  in  the  Union,  the  equal  protection  held  out 
to  every  man,  whatever  may  be  his  religious  senti- 
ments, and  the  discountenance  uniformly  given  to 
every  attempt  at  introducing  a  national  religion,  has 
completely  overthrown  the  hypothesis,  of  those  who 
have  pretended,  that  no  political  institutions,  not 


190 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


even  virtue  itself,  can  be  safe  without  an  established 
Church  /* 

Previous  to  the  revolution,  it  appears,  that  u  the 
public  attention  was  principally  engrossed  in  re- 
ligious controversies.  In  the  time  of  Governor 
Fletcher,  the  episcopalians  were  favoured  with  a 
partial  establishment  in  this  and  three  of  the  neigh- 
bouring" counties.  This  exceptionable  measure  ex- 
cited much  uneasiness,  and  a  proposition  to  establish 
bishops  in  America  was  resisted  with  great  zeal,  and 
produced  a  long  and  violent  polemic  war,  which 
was  conducted  with  great  talents.  Our  Dutch  an- 
cestors were  agitated  about  a  question  relative  to 
their  own  church  ;  whether  their  clergy  might  be 
ordained  in  this  country  without  the  sanction  of  the 
classis  of  Amsterdam.  The  French  and  presbyte- 
rian  churches  were  also  torn  asunder  by  internal 
feuds."  j 

This  struggle  between  the  clergy  of  those  days 
and  the  flocks  committed  to  their  charge,  will  not 
appear  very  extraordinary  when  the  great  advan- 
tages which  the  former  had  in  view,  are  taken  into 
consideration.    In  England  alone  the  annual  reve- 


•  Processor  Marsh  says,  that  national  rdigion  must  always  mean 
the  religion  established  by  law.  So  say  the  Quarterly  Reviewers :  so 
said  Percival,  though  G rattan  pretendt-tl  not  to  apprehend  the 
propriety  of  an  expression  as  applied  by  that  pious  minister  to 
Ireland,  where  the  religion  established  by  law  does  not  connr  the 
people  among  its  believers.  But  the  law  authorises  this,  and  judge 
Rlackstone  tells  ut  that  the  law  is  omnipotent  So  is  the  vote 
r>f  the  House  of  Commons.  On  14th  May  1811  they  resolved  that  a 
one  pound  banknote,  and  one  shilling,  was  equal  in  value  to  one 
guinea  in  gold,  and  on  11th  Dec.  1312,  they  reaffirmed  this, 
though,  at  that  very  time,  Jews  and  others  were  under  prosecution 
for  selling  guineas  for  27  shillings  and  upwards.  We  must  doubt 
if  the  Rajah,  mentioned  by  Buchanan,  who  erected  a  college  for 
Hindoos,  Mahomitans  and  Christians,  would  understand  national  aft 
those  understand  it  in  Britain  and  Ireland. 

t  Tran.  of  Lit.  and  Phil  Society  of  N.  Y.  p.  31 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  19* 

nues  of  the  church  amount  to  within  a  trifle  of  seven 
•million  of  dollars  ! — Had  the  contest  terminated  in 
favour  of  the  clergy  here,  the  door  would  have  been 
opened  to  the  acquisition  of  similar  wealth.  Bishops 
would  have  been  seen,  as  in  Europe,  arrogating  the 
power  and  dignity  of  princes,  rolling  in  affluence, 
idleness  and  luxury,  at  the  expense  of  those  who 
labour  for  a  subsistence.  Happily  for  humanity,  the 
pretensions  of  these  men  were  strangled  in  their 
birth,  by  that  watchful  spirit  of  liberty,  which  has 
uniformly  characterized  the  people  of  this  country  in 
every  part  of  their  history. 

At  the  revolution,  an  insurmountable  barrier  was 
placed  against  the  encroachments  of  all  ambitious 
priests.  One  great  object  of  the  Articles  of  Con- 
federation and  Perpetual  Union,  entered  into  by  the 
different  States,  on  17th  November  1777,  was  to. 
afford  protection  "  against  all  force  offered  to,  or 
attacks  made  upon  them,  or  any  of  them,  on  ac- 
count of  religion."  The  38th  and  39th  sections  of 
the  Constitution  of  this  State,  are  still  more  explicit : 
u  And  whereas  we  are  required  by  the  benevolent 
principles  of  rational  liberty,  not  only  to  expel  civil 
tyranny,  but  also  to  guard  against  that  spiritual  op- 
pression and  intolerance,  wherewith  the  bigotry  and 
ambition  oi  weak  and  wicked  priests  and  princes  have 
scourged  mankind.  This  convention  doth  further, 
in  the  name,  and  by  the  authority  of  the  good  people 
of  this  State,  ordain,  determine  and  declare,  that  the 
free  exercise  and  enjoyment  of  religious  profession 
and  worship,  without  discrimination  or  preference, 
shall  for  ever  hereafter  be  allowed  within  this  State 
to  all  mankind  :  Provided  that  the  liberty  of  consci- 
ence hereby  granted,  shall  not  be  so  construed  as  to 
excuse  acts  of  licentiousness,  or  justify  practice? 
inconsistent  with  the  peace  or  safety  of  the  State." 
"  And  whereas  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  are,  by 
their  profession,  dedicated  to  the  service  of  God, 
*  and  the  cure  of  souls,  and  ought  not  to  be  diverted 


192 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUISE 


from  the  great  duties  of  their  fimetion  ;  therefore  u* 
minister  of  the  Gospel,  or  Priest  of  any  denomination 
whatever,  shall  at  any  time  hereafter,  under  any  pre- 
tence or  description  whatever,  be  eligible  to,  or  ca- 
pable of  holding  any  civil  or  military  office  or  place 
within  this  stale/' 

While  the  inhabitants  of  the  United  States  continue 
to  respect  those  political  institutions  which  it  cost  so 
much  to  establish,  they  need  be  under  no  apprehen- 
sions of  having  institutions  imposed  upon  them  which, 
under  the  pretence  of  maintaining  the  sacred  rights 
of  kings  and  priests,  have  in  all  ages,  deluged  the 
earth  with  tears  and  with  blood.  The  clergy  of  this 
city  have  acquired  the  character  of  being  intelligent 
and  liberal.  This  will  always  ensure  them  respect. 
But  if  the  people  themselves  imbibe  fanatical  and 
superstitious  notions,  or  play  the  part  of  hypocrites, 
where  is  the  security  that  this  will  not  lead  to  the  in- 
troduction of  a  spiritual  domination?  Where  the 
mass  is  corrupted,  how  can  any  of  its  parts  escape 
contagion?  Of  what  avail  are  the  exhortations  of  the 
liberal  and  the  learned,  if  men  voluntarily  embrace 
the  fetters  of  superstition  ? 

Although  the  legislature  could  not,  consistent  with 
the  general  welfare,  do  otherwise  than  declare 
against  giving  a  preference  to  any  sector  party,  it  was 
not  insensible  of  the  protection  to  which  the  proper- 
ty of  every  religious  society  was  entitled.  They  had 
erected  numerous  places  of  worship,  at  great  ex- 
pense, and  accumulated  funds  to  a  considerable 
amount.  These  required  to  be  placed  under  proper 
management.  Under  the  colonial  government  a 
law  was  passed,  6th  April  1784,  incorporating  reli- 
gious societies,  by  which  powers  were  given  to  Trus- 
tees to  manage  their  temporal  concerns,  and  the  s}Ts- 
tem,  with  but  few  alterations,  has  continued  down  to 
the  preseut  time*.  The  last  general  act  was  passed 
on  5th  April  1813.  It  enacts,  that  the  majority  of 


*  ftei  ised  Lawg  of  ttie  State  of  ft  ew- York,  vol.  ii. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  tfEW-YORK.  193 

any  congregation  may  choose  not  less  than  three  nor 
more  than  nine  persons,  as  Trustees  for  the  manage- 
ment of  its  temporalities ;  the  annual  value  of  which 
is  limited  to  3000  dollars,  except  some  old  established 
societies  therein  enumerated,  who  are  allowed  to 
hold  stock,  some  to  the  extent  of  six  thousand,  some 
of  eight  thousand,  and  others  of  10,000  dollars  annu- 
ally.   In  this  city  there  are  the  following 

CHURCHES,  CHAPELS,  AND  MEETING 
HOUSES. 
Episcopalians —  1 2. 

1.  Trinity  Church,  Broadway. 

2.  St.  Paul's  Church,  do. 

3.  St.  John's  Church,  Hudson- square. 

4.  St.  George's  Chapel,  Beekman-street. 

5.  Christ's  Church,  Ann-street. 

6.  St.  Mark's  Church,  Stuvvesant-street. 

7.  Du  St.  Esprit  Church,  Pine-street. 

!>.  St.  Stephen's  Church,  Broome-street. 

9.  St.  Michael's  Church,  Bloomingdale. 

10.  Grace  Church,  Broadway. 

11.  Zion  Church,  Mott-street. 

12.  St.  James'  Church,  Hamilton-square. 

Presbyterians— 6 . 

1.  Wall-street. 

2.  Beekman-street. 

3.  Rutger's-street. 

4.  Cedar-street. 

5.  Spring-street. 

6.  Orange-street 

Reformed  Presbyterians — 1 . 
Chamber-street. 

Associate  Presbyterians — 1 . 
Nassau-street. 
Associate  Reformed  Presbyterians — 3* 

1.  Cedar-street, 

2.  P^arl-street. 

R 


STRANG  ER*S  GVib£ 

3.  Murray-street. 

Reformed  Dutch — 7. 

1.  South  Church,  Garden-street, 

2.  Middle  Church,  Nassau-street. 

3.  North  Church,  William-street. 

4.  Sugar  Loaf-street. 
5. .  Haerlem-street. 

0.  George-street,  Greenwich. 
7.  Biooimngdale-road. 

Roman  Catholics — -2. 

1.  St.  Peter's  Church,  Baroiay-street 

2.  St.  Patrick's  Church,  Prince-street' 

German  Reformed—A. 
Nassau-street. 

Evangelical  L uth cran^r  1 » 
Frankfort-street. 

Melhodisis—d. 

1.  John-street. 

2.  Forsyth-street 

3.  Duane-street. 

4.  Alien-street, 

5.  Greenwich. 

0.  Bowery. 

African  Methodists— Z. 

1.  Zion  Church,  Leonard-street. 

2.  As  bury  Church,  Elizabeth-strec " 

Moravians — \, 
Fulton-street. 

Universalists—\ . 
Pearl-street. 

Baptists — 4. 

1.  Gold-street. 

2.  Fayette-street. 

3.  Mulberry-street. 

4.  Broome-strcet. 

Abyssinian  Baptists-*- I » 
Anthony-street. 
Friend' *s  Meeting  Houses— & 
tm  Pearl-street, 


to  THE  CITY  OP  KEW-TORK.  195 

2.  Liberty-street. 

3.  Manhattanville. 

Hebrew  Synagogue — 1. 
[Mill-street. 

Total,  53— Sects  17. 

The  places  set  apart  in  New- York  for  religious 
worship,  are,  in  general,  built  upon  the  same  model 
as  thbfce  in  Europe,  although,  from  the  idea  of  a  na- 
tional, or  established  religion  being  discountenanced 
here,  they  bear  a  chosen  resemblance  to  what  may 
naturally  be  supposed  formed  the  temples  of  the  pri- 
mitive christians.  Here  there  are  no  magnificent: 
cathedrals,  decorated  with  paintings,  or  other  votive 
gifts,  the  fruit  of  superstition,  and  the  objects  of 
temptation  to  the  covetous  in  every  rank  of  life — 
Neatness  and  convenience  have  not  been  overlook- 
ed ;  nothing  bespeaks  meanness  or  poverty.  Osten- 
tation seems,  indeed,  to  have  been  as  much  avoided  in 
the  erection  of  the  churches  and  chapels  of  this  city, 
as  in  that  of  any  other  of  her  public  buildings. — To 
enter  into  detail,  respecting  these,  would  be  an  idle 
and  unprofitable  task.  We  shall,  therefore,  confine 
ourselves  to  a  description  of  the  most  prominent. 

The  corporation  of  Trinity  Church  includes  Trini- 
ty Church,  St.  PauVs  and  St.  John's,  the  most  valua- 
ble endowments  in  the  city. 

Trinity  Church  is  a  Gothic  structure  of  grey  stone, 
■situated  on  the  west-side  of  Broadway,  immediately 
opposite  to  Wall-street.  It  was  originally  founded 
in  1696  ;  and  enlarged  and  beautified  in  1737. — Dur- 
ing the  revolutionary  war  it  was  burnt  down  by  the 
conflagration,  which  the  enemy  lighted  up,  and  which 
destroyed  many  buiidings  on  the  western  side  of 
Broadwa)T.  In  1708  it  was  rebuilt  in  its  present  form.— 
It  is  remarked  that  the  spire  is  the  most  indiffer- 
ent in  its  appearance  of  any  in  the  city,  and  the  ar- 
chitecture no  way  corresponding  to  the  rest  of  the 
building".— There  is  au  extensive  Cemetery  belong? 


196 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE  . 


ing  to  this  church,  which  is  crowded  with  monu- 
ments and  tomb  stones. 

St.  Paul's,  which  also  fronts  Broadway,  is  a  very 
handsome  structure  of  grey  stone,  principally  of  the 
corinthian  order.  It  was  built  in  the  year  17G5.  In 
length  it  measures  00  feet  and  in  breadth  70  feet. 
The  spire  rises  to  the  height  of  234  feet;  100  feet  of 
which  is  of  stone  and  the  rest  wood,  with  a  covering 
of  tin.  It  has  a  clock  and  bell,  and  is  surmounted 
with  a  gilt  vane.  The  principal  entrance  is  in  the 
east  end  or  front.  Here  there  is  a  pediment,  and 
fluted  colonade  of  brown  stone,  with  corinthian 
capitals.  A  figure  in  wood  of  St.  Paul  adorns  the 
front,  and  underneath,  in  the  centre  of  the  building 
there  is  a  marble  monument  erected  by  Congress,  to 
the  memory  of  Major  General  Richard  Montgomery, 
aged  37  years,  who  was  killed  in  the  attack  of  Que- 
bec, 81st  December,  1775. 

Inside  the  church,  there  are  eight  cut  chrystal 
chandeliers,  hanging  from  the  ceiling  for  lighting  it 
up.  The  pulpit  aud  altar  are  hung  with  crimson 
silk  damask.  Over  the  altar  piece  are  the  two 
tables  of  the  law,  surmounted  by  a  triangular  re- 
presentation of  the  Deity,  and  on  the  opposite  end 
there  is  a  w^ell-tuncd  and  handsome  organ.  In  other 
respects  the  interior  has  a  very  neat  and  pleasing 
aspect;  it  is  estimated  to  contain  about  4,000 
persons. 

There  is  a  cemetery  "attached  to  this  building,  in 
which  there  are  a  number  of  marble  tombstones, 
and  monuments.  3\ear  the  bottom  is  one  erected  to 
the  memory  of  the  French  general  Rochefontaine, 
who  fought  in  the  service  of  the  United  States  during 
the  revolutionary  war.  Pie  died  in  this  city  Janu- 
ary 30th,  1814.  The  space  occupied  by  the  church 
and  the  cemetery  is  400  feet  long  and  130  feel  ivide. 
In  front  it  is  closed  in  with  an  iron  railing;  the  re  - 
mainder is  surrounded  by  a  substantial  brick  wall. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK. 


197 


St,  Johns  Church  resembles  St.  Paul's  in  its 
general  appearance  and  formation.  From  its  being" 
of  a  more  modern  date,  and  the  ornamental  part 
somewhat  improved,  it  has  a  lighter  appearance. 
They  seem,  however,  to  have  been  constructed  upon 
ihe  same  model.  Their  dimensions  are  nearly 
similar,  as  is  also  the  number  of  persons  which  they 
contain.  The  cemetery  of  St.  John's  is  much  smaller 
than  St.  Paul's,  nor  has  it  been  yet  used  for  burying" 
the  dead. 

The  Presbyterian  Church  in  Wall-street,  is  a 
handsome  modern  building"  of  brown  stone,  with  a 
spire,  of  the  corinthian  order.  This  is  the  first 
presbyterian  church  of  New- York.  It  was  founded 
in  1719,  enlarged  in  1748,  and  rebuilt  in  1810. 
The  Brick  Jtleeting,  so  called  from  the  materials  of 
which  it  is  constructed,  situated  in  Beekman-street, 
and  the  church  in  Rutgcr's-street,  both  in  the  pres- 
byterian connection,  have  also  spires,  and  are  fitted 
up  on  a  modern  and  convenient  plan  to  accommo- 
date several  thousands  of  hearers  each. 

The  Associate  Reformed  Presbyterian  Churchy  in 
Murray-street,  is  the  only  other  place  of  religious 
worship  ornamented  with  a  spire.  This  is  a  hand- 
some modern  structure,  capable  of  containing  nearly 
4;000  people. 


MISSIONARY  SOCIETIES. 
TJie  New- York  Misstonaig/  Society.  The  parent 
Mock,  was  formed  in  the  year  1796.  It  is  composed 
principally  of  members  of  the  presbyterian  denomi  - 
nation,  including  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church.  Its 
concerns  are  conducted  by  a  board  of  directors,  21 
in  number,  a  president,  4  vice-presidents,  treasurer^ 
corresponding  secretary,  and  clerk,  who  are  elected, 
on  the  1st  Tuesday  of  April  annually.  They  hold 
regular  meetings  on  the  first  Ptlonday  of  every 
month  at  No.  10  Garden-street.  The  principal  de- 
ll 2 


190 


sign  of  this  society  is  to  'evangelize  the  Indian  Tribes 
on  the  borders  of  the  United  States. 

The  Young  Mcrfs  Missionary  Society.  This  asso- 
ciation was  formed  in  January  H:09  under  llje  name 
of  the  14  Assistant  New- York  Missionary  Society." 
with  the  view  to  aid  the  parent  institution.  It  is 
composer]  of  men  pi'ofessing  the  same  principles,  and 
under  45  years  of  age.  In  February  1,816,  it  withV 
drew  its  support  from  the  old  society,  to  employ  its 
resources  in  propagating*  the  gospel  among1  the  ivhUe 
inhabitants  cf  this  country.  Not  satisilfi^  frith  ac- 
complishing this,  they  differed  among  themselves  on 
some  doctrinal  points,  which  occasioned  a  seces- 
sion that  led  to  the  formation  of  fcfoe 

Neiv-York  Evangelical  Society  of  Young  Jim. 
After  all,  the  general  object  of  this  society  is  avowied 
to  be  the  same  as  that  from  which  it  sprung. 

The  United  Foreign  Missionary  Society^  was  or- 
ganized on  2f)th  July  IP,,?,  !*in  ^sequence  of  a 
recommendation  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
presbyterian  church,  the  Genera)  Ryrto^s  of  iho 
reformed  Dutch,  and  Associate  Reformed  churches. 
Its  object  is  to  spread  the  gospel  among"  the  111 dians 
of  North  America,  the  inhabitants  of  Mexico,  awl 
South  America,  and  in  ether  portions  of  \  I^aiben 
and  anti-christian  world."  Its  affairs  are  conduced 
by  a  president,  0  vice- presidents,  a  corresponding" 
and  recording  secretary,  a  treasurer  and  [%  cna- 
nagers,  who  are  elected  on  the  Wednesday  pre<  ed- 
ing  the  second  Thursday  of  May  annually.  The 
office  bearers  meet  cn  the  4tii  Monday  of  every 
month. 

The  Mew-York  Baptist  Missionary  Society  and 
the 

New-York  Baptist  Female  Society^  are  recent  in- 
stitutions for  promoting  Foreign  Missions*  There  is 
also  a 

New- York  Baptist  Foreign  and  Domestic  *  ' 
ary  Society. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


199 


The  Magdalen  Society  of  New-  York ,  was  formed 
m  January  1812.  Its  affairs  are  conducted  by  a 
president,  vice-president,  a  treasurer  and  secretary, 
w  ho  are  elected  on  the  2d  Monday  of  January  annu  - 
ally. The  office  bearers  meet  regularly  once  every 
month. 

The  Society  for  supporting  the  gospel  among  the 
poor  in  the  city  of  New- York.  This  society  was  in- 
stituted in  November  1813,  "  for  the  purpose  oi' 
maintaining  a  stated  preacher  to  the  Alms-house, 
Hospital,  Bridewell,  Prisons  and  other  receptacles  of 
the  indigent  and  wretched,  who  are  not  otherwise 
supplied  with  the  stated  ministrations  of  the  gospel/* 
lis  affairs  are  managed  by  a  president,  secretary, 
treasurer,  and  6  trustees,  who  are  elected  on  the 
]&t  Wednesday  of  December  annually,  an<i  have 
quarterly  meetings  on  the  1st  Tuesday  of  February, 
May,  August,  and  November. 

The  Fmtah  3&hmona&y  Society.  This  was  insti- 
tuted in  the  year  1531G,  "  for  the  purpose  of  employ- 
ing a  missionary  among  the  ignorant  and  destitute 
ol'  fcfrta  eii  v  and  its  immediate  neighbourhood."  The 
fyusiaess  of  this  society  is  conducted  by  a  directress, 
second  directress,  treasurer,  secretary,  and  10 
managers,  who  meet  on  the  2d  Monday  of  May  and 
In  ov ember  to  transact  business.  They  have  also 
grayer  meetings  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  June,  Sep- 

mber,  December  and  March,  annually. 

>  t  American  Society  for  Evangelizing  the  Jews, 
v,  ...s  instituted  :30th  December  1816.  Its  manage- 
tpmii  is  cdnd^icted  by  a  president,  vice-president,  2 
secrehmes,  a  treasurer,  and  7  managers,  who  are 
elected  on  the  last  Monday  of  December  annually, 
j-he  ojice  bear*  rs  meet  regularly  on  the  3d  Thurs- 
day of  ev,-iA  other  month  beginning  with  January. 

Besides  the  above, '  there  is  an  Episcopal  Society, 
instituted  for  ihe  purpose  of  procuring  funds  for  the 
Committee  of  'Missions  of  the  pretcsiant  episcopal 
church  of  this  diocese. 


THE  STR  VNGER's  GUIDE 


BIBLE  SOCIETIES. 

The  American  Bible  Society,  This  was  instituted 
in  May  1816,  by  a  convention  of  delegates  from 
Bible  Societies  in  different  parts  of  the  United 
States.  Its  affairs  are  conducted  by  a  board  of 
managers,  consisting  of  36  laymen,  of  whom  24 
must  be  residents  of  the  city  of  New-York,  or  its 
vicinity.  They  hold  stated  meetings  on  the  first 
Thursday  of  every  month. 

The  JY1  Y.  Bible  and  Com.  Prayer  Book  Society, 
was  instituted  in  September  1809.  Its  affairs  are 
under  the  management  of  the  Bishop  of  the  diocese, 
who  is  president  ex  officio,  and  by  ministers  and  lay 
members  of  the  protestant  episcopal  church. 

The  A".  F.  Bible  Society,  an  auxiliary  to  tha 
American  Bible  Society,  took  its  rise  in  November 
Its  concerns  are  conducted  by  a  president,  6 
vice-presidents,  2  secretaries,  a  clerk,  treasurer, 
and  31  managers,  consisting  of  the  various  religious 
denominations  in  the  city.  The  anniversary  meet- 
ing of  the  society  is  on  the  first  Monday  of  December, 
and  the  office  bearers  hold  stated  meetings  on  the 
3d  Monday  of  every  second  month,  beginning  with 
J  anuary. 

The  Auxiliary  JV.  F.  Bible  Society.  This  society 
was  instituted  28th  June  1813.  Its  affairs  are 
managed  by  a  president,  4  vice-presidents,  secre- 
tary, treasurer,  clerk  and  17  directors,  who  have 
stated  meetings  on  the  3d  Mondays  of  February, 
August  and  November.  This  society  is  also  auxili- 
ary to  the  American  Bible  Societv. 

The  Auxiliary  JST.  Y.  Bible  and  C.  P.  B.  Society, 
was  instituted  January  26th  1816.  Its  affairs  are 
managed  by  a  board  of  lay  members  of  the  protestant 
episcopal  church,  consisting  of  a  president,  3  vice- 
presidents,  2  secretaries,  a  treasurer,  an  agent,  and  | 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  201 


13  managers,  who  hold  meetings  once  every  two 
months. 

The  JV.  F.  Female  Auxiliary  Bible  Society,  was 
instituted  14th  May  1816.  It  is  composed  of  ladies 
of  all  denominations,  and  its  affairs  are  conducted 
by  a  first  and  second  directress,  treasurer,  secretary, 
and  32  managers.  They  meet  on  the  first  Wednes- 
day of  every  month.  This  is  also  auxiliary  to  the 
American  Bible  Society. 

The  JV\  Y.  Union  Bible  Society,  was  instituted 
27th  June  1816.  Its  affairs  are  managed  by  a  pre- 
sident, vice-president,  2  secretaries,  treasurer, 
clerk,  and  7  directors,  who  meet  once  a  month. 

The  Female  Juvenile  Aux,  Bible  Society,  was  in- 
stituted in  October  1816.  It  is  conducted  by  a  di- 
rectress, treasurer,  secretary  and  8  managers,  who 
meet  on  the  2d  Saturday  of  every  month.  This  is 
auxiliary  to  the  N.  Y.  Female  Aux.  B.  S. 

The  Marine  B.  S.  was  instituted  14th  March 
1817.  Its  affairs  are  conducted  by  a  president,  4 
vice-presidents,  2  secretaries,  treasurer,  and  36 
managers,  who  meet  once  every  three  months.  The 
annual  meeting  of  the  society  is  on  the  3d  Monday 
of  April.  It  is  auxiliary  to  the  American  Bible 
Society. 

New-York  African  Bible  Society,  was  instituted 
21st  March  1817.  Its  affairs  are  conducted  by  a 
president,  2  vice-presidents,  treasurer,  secretary, 
xnd  8  managers. 


TRACT  SOCIETIES. 
The  New- York  Religious  Tract  Society.  This  was 
instituted  in  1809,  and  re-organized  in  February 
1812.  Its  affairs  are  now  conducted  by  a  president,  2 
rice-presidents,  secretary,  treasurer,  clerk,  and  24 
managers,  who  are  chosen  on  the  2d  Wednesday  of 
February.  The  stated  meetings  of  the  board  are  on 
he  first  Tuesday  of  every  other  month,  beginning 
,vith  February. 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


The  Prokstant  Epis.  Tract  Society,  was  instituted 
in  1810.    Its  annual  meeting  is  in  November.- 

The  JV.  Y.  Methodist  Tract  Society  was  formed  in 
1812.  Its  affairs  are  conducted  by  a  president,  trea- 
surer, secretary,  and  12  managers,  who  are  elected 
annually  in  the  month  of  April,  and  hold  stated  meet- 
ings four  times  a  year. 


EDUCATION  SOCIETIES. 

Society  for  promoting  Religion  and  Learning. 
This  society's  views  are  confined  chiefly  to  the  ad- 
vancement of  the  protestant  episcopal  church.  To 
such  as  are  desirous  of  becoming-  preachers  in  that 
connection,  but  who  have  not  the  means  of  educating 
themselves,  they  give  pecuniary  aid.  They  also  re- 
ceive donations  and  collect  subscriptions,  for  pious 
purposes,  for  establishing  a  theological  library,  for 
erecting  schools,  and  for  providing  fellowships  in 
Columbia  College.  The  corporation  of  Trinity 
church  has  the  appointment  of  the  trustees,  21  in 
number,  the  Bishop  being  always  president.  These 
manage  the  affairs,  and  conduct  the  correspondence 
£>f  the  society.  They  meet  once  a  ~nonlh,  and  7 
forms  a  quorum. 

Protestant  Episcopal  Charity  School.  Thk  school 
was  incorporated  March  14th  1806,  fo.  the  purpose 
of  educating  poor  children  in  piety  and  learning.  It 
is  under  the  immediate  care  of  the  corporation  of 
Trinity  church,  the  Rector  of  which  is,  ex  officio, 
president,  There  is  also  a  treasurer  and  secretary. 
The  funds  of  this  establishment  enable  the  managers 
to  educate  and  clothe  about  100  boys  and  girls  an- 
nually. 

Tlie  Society  for  promoting  the  education  of  poor  and 
pious  youth  for  the  gospel  ministry.  The  objects  of 
this  society's  beneficence  must  be  regular  communi- 
cants of  a  presbyterian  church  belonging  to  the  Ge- 
neral Assembly,  and  under  the  care  of  the  Nc#- 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW- YORK. 


2Q3 


York  presbytery  or  their  standing  committee.  Its 
affairs  are  conducted  by  a  president,  vice-president, 
secretary,  treasurer,  and  17  managers,  who  are 
elected  on  the  1st  Monday  of  November.  They 
have  stated  meeting's  on  the  last  Tuesday  of  every 
other  month,  beginning  in  December. 

Two  Female  Cent  Societies — one  composed  of  ladies 
belonging  to  the  first  presbyterian  church  in  Wall- 
street,  and  the  other  of  ladies  belonging  to  the  pres- 
byterian church  in  Cedar-street.  They  contribute 
a  cent  a  day  each  towards  the  support  of  students  of 
divinity  at  the  theological  seminary  in  Princeton. 

The  Ursuline  Convent.  This  institution  was  in- 
corporated on  25th  March  1814,  to  continue  21 
years.  It  consists  of  females  whose  object  is  "  to  ex- 
tend the  advantages  of  education  to  such  poor  girls 
as  are  confided  to  its  fostering  care,  and  who  are 
destitute  of  the  means  of  acquiring  instruction  ex- 
cept at  the  hand  of  charity."  The  real  estate  is 
fixed  by  the  charter  at  25,000  dollars,  or  2,000  dollars 
per  annum.* 

Orphan  Asylum  Society,  was  instituted  in  March 
1806,  for  the  purpose  of  educating  and  supporting  poor 
orphan  children.  The  establishment  is  at  Green- 
wich, where  the  managers,  in  consequence  of  liberal 
donations,  have  been  enabled  to  erect  a  building 


*  In  a  note  subjoined  to  the  act  of  incorporation,  by  the  col- 
lector of  the  laws  of  the  State,  it*  is  observed,  that  **  tl  »>  is  perhaps 
the  first  incorporation  of  a  Convent  in  a  country  decidedly  protectant 
and  evinces  the  liberality  of  the  legislature  :  t'leir  impartiality  ard 
strict  compliance  with  the  principles  of  our  government,  in  foster 
ing  and  protecting  all  religious  denominations  without  distinction. 
It  is  a  trait  in  the  character  of  this  State  highly  worthy  of  imi- 
tation, to  guard  against  all  bigotry  and  religious  intolerance  This 
act  from  its  title,  would  seem  to  warrant  something  more  than  the 
mere  establishment  of  a  seminary  for  education.  It  is  presumable 
that  it  will  furnish  an  {asylum  to  such  distressed  fen  ales  as  may 
cuter  Hs  wall6,  and  become  subject  to  its  ecclesiastical  fljbcipjjire." 


204 


TIIE  STRANGERS  GUIDE 


suitable  to  the  accommodation  of  200  orphans.  As 
the  institution,  however,  entirely  depends  upon  vo- 
luntary subscriptions,  its  benefits  have  only  yet  been 
extended  to  about  halt  that  number.  Its  affairs  arc 
managed  altogether  by  females,  consisting"  of  a  first 
and  second  Directress,  Treasurer,  Secretary,  and  8 
Managers. 

New- York  Sunday  School  Union  Society,  This 
association  was  formed  26th  February,  1816,  "to 
encourage  and  assist  those  engaged  in  the  superin- 
tendance  and  instruction  of  Sunday  Schools ;  to  pro- 
mote the  establishment  of  new  schools  ;  to  improve  the 
methods  of  teaching ;  and  to  unite  the  Christian  feel- 
ings, the  counsels,  and  labours,  of  persons  of  different 
religious  denominations,  in  these  benevolent  undertak- 
ings."  By  the  first  report  of  the  society,  dated  Feb. 
24,  1817,  it  appears,  that  28  Sunday  Schools,  con- 
taining 3000  scholars,  were  then  formed  in  this  city, 
under  their  superintendance,  and  that  they  had  ex- 
pended upwards  of  $3000  in  promoting  their  esta- 
blishment during  the  preceding  year.  By  the  consti- 
tution of  the  society,  subscribers  of  $1  per  annum  arc 
considered  members.  A  donation  of  15  dollars  or 
upwards,  constitutes  a  member  for  life.  The  manage- 
ment is  in  the  hands  of  a  President,  4  Vice-Presi- 
dents, Treasurer,  Secretary,  and  a  Committee  of  21 
members,  who  are  chosen  annually  on  the  Tuesday 
next  preceding  the  2d  Thursday  of  May.  They  meet 
statedly  on  the  3d  Thursday  of  January,  April,  July, 
and  October. 


BAY  AND  HARBOUR,  DOCKS,  WHARVES 
AND  SLIPS. 
New-York  Bay  and  Harbour  presents  one  of  the 
most  interesting  and  beautiful  scenes  in  the  United 
States.  The  bay  is  9  miles  long  and  4  broad,  spread- 
ing before  the  city  in  delightful  expanse,  to  the  south- 
ward.   It  is  formed  by  the  confluence  of  East  am! 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW -YORK.  205 

Hudson  rivers,  and  communicates  with  the  ocean, 
through  the  Narrows,  scarcely  2  miles  broad,  between 
Staten  and  Long-  Islands.  On  the  one  side  of  the 
bay,  the  eye  dwells  with  calm  and  unabated  pleasure 
on  the  romantic  scenery  of  the  Jersey  shores  and 
Staten  Island  ;  on  the  other,  though  the  coast  at  some 
points  is  rather  more  prominent,  the  gratification  is 
not  the  less.  The  fertility  of  the  soil  of  Long  Island, 
the  foliage  of  the  numerous  orchards  from  Brooklyn 
heights  to  the  Bluff,  particularly  during  the  season 
when  the  peach  and  apple  trees  are  in  blossom,  ren- 
ders the  exhibition  truly  enchanting  and  picturesque. 

Within  the  bay  there  are  three  islands  :  Governor's 
Island,  formerly  called  Nattan  Island ;  Ellis* s  Island, 
also  called  'Bucking's  or  Oyster  Island ;  and  Bedlow's 
Island,  known  likewise  by  the  names  Kennedy's  and 
Gibbet  Island.  Commanding  fortifications,  bristling 
with  cannon,  are  erected  on  all  these  islands.  Gov- 
ernor's Island  contains  70  acres  of  ground.  The 
other  two  are  considerably  smaller. 

The  water  of  the  bay,  in  many  places,  is  1 5  fathoms 
deep,  and  the  anchorage  is  so  safe,  that  the  British, 
during  the  revolutionary  war,  made  this  the  rendez- 
vous of  their  fleet.    From  its  nearness  to  the  ocean, 
by  which  its  waters  are  greatly  impregnated  with 
salt,  the  bay,  notwithstanding  the  severity  of  winter, 
has  seldom  been  known  to  freeze.    No  instance  of 
this  has  occurred  since  the  year  1780.    The  ready 
[access  which  this  circumstance  gives,  at  all  seasons, 
[to  the  port,  must  always  ensure  to  the  city  of  New- 
J  York,  a  permanent  and  constant  intercourse  with 
[other  nations,  and  thus,  in  a  few  years,  render  this 
[highly  favoured  spot,  the  commercial  emporium  of 
[the  world,  as  it  is  already  that  of  the  United  States. 

The  facetious  Knickerbocker,  to  whose  highly  en- 
[tertaming  work  we  have  already  referred,  has  given 
[so  humorous  and  eloquent  a  description  of  the  scenery 
if  the  bay,  and  of  a  storm,  that  we  cannot  refrain 
irom  transcribing  it  below  for  the  amusement  of  such 


206 


THE  STE.ANC"R5S  GUIDE 


of  our  readers  as  are  fond  of  the  burlesque.  Although 
us  the  author  remarks,  the  storm  was  played  off,  to 
give  a  little  bustle  and  life  to  the  tranquil  part  of  his 
work,  and  to  keep  his  drowsy  readers  from  falling 
asleep,  "  the  panorama  view  of  the  battery  was  given 
to  gratify  the  reader  with  a  correct  description  of 
that  celebrated  place,  and  the  parts  adjacent*." 

*  In  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1804,  on  a  fine  afternoon,  in  the  glow- 
ing month  of  September,  I  took  my  customary  walk  upon  the  bat- 
tery, which  is  at  once  the  pride  and  bulwark  of  this  ancient  and 
impregnable  city  of  New- York.   The  ground  on  which  I  trod  was 
hallowed  by  recollections  of  the  past5  and  as  I  slowly  wandered 
through  the  long  alley  of  poplars,  which,  like  so  many  hireh  brooms 
standing  on  end,  diffused  a  melancholy  and  lugubrious  shade,  my 
imagination  drew  a  contrast  between  the  surrounding  scenery,  and 
what  it  was  in  the  classic  days  of  our  forefathers.    Where  the  go- 
vernment home  by  name,  but  the  custom  house  hf  occupation, 
proudly  reared  its  brick  walls  and  wooden  pillars;  there  whilomc 
fclood  the  low  but  substantial  red  tiled  mansion  of  the  renowned 
Wouter  Van  Twiller.    Around  it  the  mighty  bulwarks  of  fort  Am- 
sterdam frowned  defiance  to  every  absent  foe  ;  but,  like  many  a 
whiskered  warrior  and  gallaDt  militia  captain,  confined  their  martial 
deeds  to  frowns  alone.  Alas !  those  threatening  bulwarks  had  long 
since  been  sapped  by  time,  and,  like  the  walls  of  Carthage,  pre- 
sented no  traces  to  the  enquiring  eye  of  the  antiquarian.  The 
inud  breast  works  had  long-  been  levelled  with  the  earth,  and  their 
srte  covered  with  the  green  lawns  and  leafy  alleys  of  the  battery  * 
where  the  gay  apprentice  sported  his  Sunday  coat,  and  the  labori- 
ous mechanic,  relieved  from  the  dirt  and  drudgery  of  the  week, 
poured  his  weekly  tale  of  love  into  the  half  averted  ear  of  the  sen-  | 
timental  chambermaid.    The  capacious  bay  still  presented  the  , 
same  expansive  sheet  of  water,  studded  with  islands,  spiiukled 
with  fishing-toats,  and  bounded  by  shores  of  picturesque  beauty.  Ij 
But  the  dark  forests  whieh  once  clothed  these  shores  had  been  ( 
violated  by  the  savage  hand  of  cultivation,  and  their  tangled  mazes  ( 
and  impenetrable  thickets,  had  degenerated  into  teeming  orchards  ,!, 
and  waving  fields  of  grain.  E  ven  Governor's  Island,  once  a  smiling  ,  u 
garden,  appertaining  to  the  sovereigns  of  the  province,  was  now  ,t 
eoveied  with  fortifications,  enclosing  a  tremendous  block  house,—  |  j, 
so  (hat  tfcft  «nre  peaceable  tsteud  reseraMcd  a  fierce  l.tttc  warrfihet  j 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NE Vv-YORK. 


207 


The  ordinary  rise  and  fall  of  tide  at  the  wharves, 
is  about  6  feet. — For  the  greater  security  of  the  ship- 


in  a  big  cocked  hat.  breathing  gunpowder  and  defiance  to  the 
world  ! 

For  some  time  did  I  indulge  in  this  pensive  strain  of  thought 
contrasting  in  sober  sadness,  the  present  day  with  the  hallowed1 
years  behind  the  mountains ;  lamenting  the  melancholy  progress 
of  improvement,  and  praising;  the  zeal  with  which  our  worthy 
burghers  endeavour  to  preserve  the  wrecks  of  venerable  customs, 
prejudices  and  errors,  from  the  overwhelming  tide  of  modern  in^ 
novation,  when  by  degrees  my  ideas  took  a  different  turn,  and  I 
insensibly  awakened  to  an  enjoyment  of  the  beauties  around  me. 

It  was  one  of  those  rich  autumnal  days  which  heaven  particu- 
larly bestows  upon  the  beauteous  island  of  Manna-hata  and  its 
vicinity  :  not  a  floating  cloud  obscured  the  azure  firmament;  th» 
sun  rolling  in  glorious  splendour  through  his  etherial  course, 
seemed  to  expand  his  honest  Dutch  countenance  into  an  unusual 
expression  of  benevolence,  as  he  smiled  his  evening  salutation 
upon  the  city,  which  he  delights  to  visit  with  bis  most  bounteous 
beams.  The  very  winds  seemed  to  hold  in  their  breaths  in  mute 
attynt  on,  lest  they  should  ruffle  the  tranquillity  of  the  hour;  and 
the  waveless  bosom  of  the  bay  presented  a  polished  mirror,  in 
which  nature  beheld  herself  and  smiled.  The  standard  of  our  city, 
which  like  a  choice  handkerchief,  is  reserved  for  days  of  gala,  hung 
motionless  on  the  flag-staff  which  forms  the  handle  to  a  gigantic 
churn  ;  and  even  the  tremulous  leaves  of  the  poplar  and  the  aspen, 
which,  like  the  tongues  of  the  immortal  sex,  are  seldom  still,  now 
ceased  to  vibrate  to  the  breath  of  heaven.  Every  thing  seemed  to 
acquiesce  in  the  profound  repose  of  nature  The  formidable  18 
pounders  slept  in  the  embrazures  of  the  r  wooden  batteries,  seem- 
ingly gathering  fresh  strength  to  fight  the  battles  of  their  country 
On  the  next  4th  of  July  ;  the  solitary  drum  on  Governor's  Island 
forgot  to  call  the  garrison  to  their  shovels;  the  evening  gun  had 
not  yet  sounded  its  signal,  for  all  the  regular,  well  meaning  poultry 
:hroughout  the  country,  to  go  to  roost;  and  the  fleet  of  canoes,  at 
inchor  between  Gibbet  Island  and  Communipaw,  slumbered  on 
heir  rakes,  and  suffered  the  innocent  oysters'to  lie  for  a  while 
inmolested  in  the  soft  mud  of  their  native  banks !  My  own  feel- 
ngs  sympathized  with  the  contagious  tranquillity,  and  1  should 
nfallilly  have  dozed  upon  one  of  those  fragments  of  benches 


208 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


ping-,  and  to  facilitate  the  loading  and  unloading  of 
goods,  intersections  have  been  formed,  on  the  side 


which  our  benevolent  magistrates  have  provided  for  the  benefit  of 
convalescent  loungers,  had  not  the  extraordinary  inconvenience 
of  the  couch  set  all  repose  at  defiance. 

In  the  mid«t  of  this  soothing  slumber  of  the  soul,  my  attention 
was  attracted  to  a  black  speck,  peering  above  the  western  ocean, 
just  in  the  rear  of  Bergen  steeple.  Gradually  it  augments  and 
overhangs  the  would-be  cities  of  Jersey,  Harsimus,  and  Hoboken 
which,  like  three  jockies,  are  starting  on  the  course  of  existence, 
and  jostling  each  other  at  the  commencement  of  the  race  Now 
it  skirts  the  long  shore  of  ancient  Pavonia,  spreading  its  wide  sha- 
dows from  the  high  settlements  at  Weebawk,  quite  to  the  laza- 
retto and  quarantine,  erected  by  the  sagacity  of  our  police  for  the 
embarrassment  of  commerce  ;  now  it  climbs  the  serene  vault  of 
heaven,  cloud  rolling  over  cloud,  like  successive  billows,  shroud- 
ing the  orb  of  day,  darkening  the  vast  expanse,  and  bearing  thun- 
der, and  hail,  and  tempest  in  its  bosom.  Tte  earth  seems  agitated 
at  the  confusion  of  the  heavens  :  the  late  waveless  mirror  is  lashed 
into  furious  waves,  that  roll  their  broken  surges  in  hollow  mur- 
murs to  the  shore  ;  the  oyster  boats  that  erst  sported  in  the  placid 
vicinity  of  Gibbet  Island,  now  hurry  affrighted  to  the  shore;  the 
late  dignified,  unbending  poplar  writhes  and  twists  before  the  mer- 
ciless blast;  descending  torrents  of  drenching  rain,  and  sounding 
hail,  deluge  the  battery  walks  ;  the  gates  are  thronged  by  'pren- 
tices, servant  maids,  and  little  Frenchmen,  with  V  eir  pocket  hand- 
kerchiefs over  their  hats,  scampering  from  the  storm:  the  late 
beauteous  prospect  presents  one  scene  of  anarchy  and  wild  up- 
roar, as  though  old  chaos  had  resumed  bis  reign,  and  was  hurling 
back  into  one  vast  turmoil  the  conflicting  elements  of  nature- 
Fancy  to  yourself,  O  reader  '.  the  awful  combat  ?ung  by  old  He- 
siod  of  Jupiter  and  the  Titans:  fancy  to  yourself  the  long  re- 
bellowing artillery  ot  heaven  streaming  at  the  heads  of  the  gigan- 
tic sons  of  the  earth.  In  «hort,  fancy  to  yourself  all  tl>at  has  ever 
been  said  or  sung,  of  bempest,  storm,  and  hurricane — and  you  will 
save*  me  the  trouble  of  describing  it  Whether  I  fled  from  the 
fury  of  the  storm,  or  remained  boldly  at  my  po?t,  as  our  gallant 
train  band  captains,  who  march  their  soldiers  through  the  rain 
without  flinching,  are  points  which  I  leave  to  the  conjecture  cf 
.  e  reader. 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  SEW- YORK-  209 

of  the  East  river,  called  slips  or  docks,  and  between 
these,  and  also  on  the  Hudson  side,  a  great  number 
of  wharves  have  been  carried  out  for  a  considerable 
way  into  the  beds  of  these  rivers.  The  slips  are  12 
in  number  :  viz. 

1 .  Whitehall-slip,  adjoining  to  the  Battery,  bottom 
of  Whitehall-street. 

2.  Exchange-slip,  bottom  of  Broad-street. 

3.  Coenties-slip,  at  Coenties-alley  near  Broad-st: 

4.  Old-slip,  bottom  William-street. 

5.  Coffee  House-slip,  bottom  of  Wall-street. 

6.  Fly  Market-slip,  bottom  of  Maiden-lane  . 

7.  Burling-slip,  bottom  of  John-street. 

8.  Peck-slip,  bottom  of  Ferry-street. 

9.  James-slip,  bottom  of  James-street. 

10.  Market-slip,  bottom  of  Market-street. 

11.  Pike-slip,  bottom  of  Pike-street. 

12.  Rutger^s-slip,  bottom  of  RutgerVstreet. 

Two  Docks,  called  the  Albany  Basin,  and  Corpo- 
ration Docks,&ve  situated  on  the  banks  of  the  Hud- 
son ;  the  former  at  the  bottom  of  Cedar-street,  and 
the  latter  adjoining-  to  Washington-market,  at  the 
bottom  of  Fulton  and  Vesey  Streets — Vessels  engag- 
ed in  the  foreign  trade,  or  coming  from  foreign  ports, 

0  *  jupy  births  at  the  wharves  and  docks  on  the  East 
river ;  those  employed  in  the  coasting  trade,  in  the 
Albany  Basin  and  Corporation  docks. 

SANDY  HOOK.  LONG  ISLAND,  STATEN 
ISLAND,  HELL  GATE. 
Sandy  Hook  is  a  projecting  beach  of  loose  sand, 
jear  to  which  is  the  channel  for  vessels  passing  from 
he  ocean  towards  the  harbour  of  New-York.  The 
iand,  forming  this  beach,  is  brought  down  by  the  ra- 
bidity of  the  currents  of  New- York  and  New-Jersey 
ivers,  and  stopped  in  its  progress  to  the  sea  by  the 
mrge  of  the  Atlantic.    Cedars  and  shrubbery  cover 

1  considerable  part  of  the  Kook ;  the  remainder  is  a. 


210 


THE  STRING  LR's  GUIDE 


hard  sandy  substance,  seemingly  mixed  with  iron  ore. 
There  is  a  revolving  Light  on  the  northern  ex- 
tremity of  the  Hook,  and,  as  we  have  elsewhere 
noticed,  a  battery  commanding  the  entrance  to  the 
buy. 

Long  Island  extends  in  length  140  miles,  and  its 
average  breadth  is  about  14  miles.  Its  western  ex- 
tremity forms  the  eastern  side  of  the  harbour  of 
IN  etr-x  ork.  Through  the  whole  length  of  the  island, 
and  nearly  in  the  centre,  there  is  a  ridge  of  sand 
lulls,  the  highest;  part  of  which  is  called  Hempstead 
Harbour,  and  is  among  the  first  land  marks  observed 
at  sea  on  approaching  this  part  of  the  continent. 
The  soil  of  Long  Island  is  fertile,  and  the  situation 
healthy.  Its  salubrity  is  considered  even  surpassing 
that  of  Ne>r-York,  which  has  made  it  a  favourite  re- 
sort of  the  citizens  when  they  wish  to  restore  their 
health,  or  enjoy  themselves  during  the  summer  sea- 
son. 

Scdten  Mmd  is  divided  from  Long  Island  by  the 
pass  called  the  .A  V/  row.v,  leading  into  New- York  bay. 
It  is  18  miles  longt,  atad  from  7  to  8  miles  broad.  On 
the  south  it  is  botmded  by  Kariton  bay;  on  the  north 
an  1  west  by  a  narrow  channel,  separating  it  from 
New-Jersey;  and  oil  the  East  by  the  Hudson. -J- 
huatcn- Island  is  somewhat  hilly,  a  circumstance 
which  has  rendered  it  so  healthy  that  it  has  been 
preferred  to  all  others  by  the  Board  of  Health,  as  a 
most  eligible  spot  for  erecting  buildings  to  accommo- 
date persons  subject  to  the  quarantine  laws,  and  an 
hospital  for  such  as  might  be  affected  by  the  epidem- 
ic sickness.  As  a  connrranaling  military  position,  it 
has  also  been  fixed  upon  for  the  erection  of  several 
strong  fortifications,  which  bid  defiance  to  the  ap- 
proaches of  an  enemv.  Staten-Island  is  part  of  the 
state  of  New- York,  and  forms  the  coua iy  of  liich- 
mond. 

Hell-Gale,  called  also  Hurl-Gate*  is  a  narrow  and 
dangerous  pass,  in  the  Last  river  leading  into  Long- 


TO  THE  CITY  01   NEW- YORK.  211 


Island  Sound.  At  slack  water,  and  with  a  leading-  wind , 
this  pass  may  be  safely  attempted  by  frigates ;  and 
smaller  vessels  may  navigate  it  at  all  times  with  the 
tide  and  a  commanding  breeze  ;  but  in  foul  weather, 
owing  to  the  rapidity  of  the  currents,  it  often  proves 
fatal  to  vessels  manned  by  the  most  skilful  seamen, 
and  under  the  guidance  of  the  most  experienced  pi- 
lots. One  of  the  sides  of  this  strait  is  formed  by 
Long-Island,  and  the  other  by  ParselPs  and  Manhat- 
tan. 

"  Between  the  two  latter,  Haerlem  Creek  emp- 
ties itself  into  Hell-Gate.  It  is  proper  to  mention 
that  the  great  masses  of  rocky  matter  run  from  N. 
E.  to  S.  VV. — There  is  so  great  a  quantity  of  solid 
granite  here  about,  that  both  the  shores,  and  the  in- 
tervening rocks  and  reefs,  almost  altogether  consist 
cf  it.  A  compact  body  of  it  impedes,  on  the 
,  Long-Island  side,  the  direct  flow  of  the  water  of  the 
Sound,  in  a  north-eastwardly  and  south-westwardly 
direction,  so  completely,  that  the  current  is  forced  to 
take  a  short  and  sudden  turn  round  the  point  of  Par- 
sell's  island.  The  change  of  direction  which  the  wa- 
ter is  obliged  to  take  is  north-westward ly,  or  nearly 
at  a  right  angle  with  the  ridges  and  strata  of  rocks, 
which  formerly  connected  the  two  islands ;  and  such 
has  been  its  impetuous  and  irresistible  force,  that  the 
dams  of  solid  rock,  which  nature  had  constructed 
across,  have  been  broken  down  and  carried  away, 
and  nothing  but  their  ruins  are  now  to  be  seen. 

The  broken  remains  of  these  strata  of  granite  are 
visible,  as  they  extend  N.  E.  from  Long-island,  and 
S.  W.  from  ParselPs  island,  partly  above,  and  part- 
ly under  water.  Where  the  strength  of  the  current 
has  thrown  the  fragments  of  the  strata  irregularly  and 
confusedly  about,  the  foaming  and  agitation  they  oc- 
casion in  the  water,  as  it  runs  among  and  over  them, 
has  given  rise  to  the  whimsical  names  of  the  Pot,  the 
Frying  Pan  and  the  Gridiron,  which  the  boatmen, 
apply  to  these  rude  and  disordered  piles  of  sunken 


212  THE  stranger's  guide 

rocks.  Where  the  force  of  the  water  has  not  bceii 
aufficient  to  break  down  a  whole  stratum,  leaving  a 
part  thereof  still  to  brave  its  power,  a  judgment  may 
be  formed  from  what  is  left,  as  to  the  original  con- 
struction. The  Hog^s  Back,  HalleVs  Point  Reef, 
the  Mill  Rock,  the  Middle  Reef,  and  the  South  Rocky 
are  plain  and  instructive  monuments  of  the  ancient 
arrangement.  They  are  portions  of  strata  remaining, 
after  all  the  rest  had  been  swept  away  by  the  tides. 
After  having  forced  its  way  through  and  across  these 
mounds  of  granite  for  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  the 
current  turns  and  pursues  its  former  course,  not 
any  longer  across  the  strata,  but  in  a  direction  near- 
ly parallel  with  it*." 


FORTS  AND  FORTIFICATIONS. 

The  exposed  situation  of  New- York,  and  the 
easy  entrance  into  the  Hudson,  having  afforded  the 
enemy  during  the  revolutionary  war,  an  opportunity 
not  only  of  bombarding  the  city,  but  of  landing, 
almost  at  any  point,  and  taking  possession  of  it,  or 
plundering  it  at  pleasure,  the  legislature  very  pro- 
perly set  about  providing  the  means  of  defence 
against  all  future  attempts.  This  has  been  accom- 
plished in  a  manner  not  only  highly  creditable  to  the 
engineers  and  others  employed  in  the  construction 
of  the  works,  but  with  such  judgment  as  to  remove 
all  apprehension  of  danger  from  whatever  quarter. 
During  the  late  contest,  such  was  the  terror  with 
which  the  "invincible  navy  of  England"  was  seized, 
by  merely  hearing  of  the  erection  of  these  works, 
that  they  did  not  dare,  even  with  their  first  rate  line 
of  battle  ships,  to  approach  within  sight  of  the  outer- 
most of  them.  While  the  English  were  in  posses- 
sion of  New- York,  from  September  1776  to  Novem- 


*  Picture,  of  New  York,  p-  IS. 


""0  THE  CITY  OF  "SEW- YORK.  213 

ber  1783,  their  fleets  rode  in  triumph  in  the  bay, 
and  anchored  opposite  to  the  city.  But,  during"  the 
late  war,  not  so  much  as  a  cockboat  belonging*  to 
that  nation  ventured  to  show  its  prow  near  Sandy 
Hook,  a  distance  of  no  less  than  27  miles  from  the 
city,  although  numbers  of  their  armed  cruisers  were 
upon  the  coast. 

The  fortification  erected  at  Sandy  Hook,  is  called 
Fort  Gates,  in  honour  of  the  hero  of  that  name.  It 
sufficiently  commands  the  channel  through  which  all 
vessels  must  pass  to  reach  the  city.  The  entrance 
to  the  bay  is  called  the  Narrows.  On  the  right,  this 
passag'e  is  defended  by  Fort  Lewis,  situated  on  the 
height  of  Long- Island,  and,  immediately  below,  by 
Fort  Diamond,  which  stands  on  Hendricks  Reef,  close 
to  the  edg"e  of  the  middle  channel.  On  the  opposite 
side,  on  Staten-Island,  Fort  Richmond  stands,  a 
strong  work  of  hewn  stone,  and  properly  provided 
with  the  implements  of  war.  On  passing  these  for- 
tifications, Castle  Williams  and  Fort  Columbus  pre- 
sent themselves,  to  the  right,  on  Governor' "s-lsland, 
situated  about  half  a  mile  from  the  city.  Castle 
Williams  mounts  52  pieces  of  heavy  cannon  on  two 
tiers,  the  resting'-place  being  bomb-proof;  and,  above 
these,  there  is  a  terrace  planted  with  twenty- six  50 
pound  Columbiads.  Fort  Columbus  consists  of  seve- 
ral bastions  and  a  ravelin.  It  has  a  furnace  for  heat- 
ing balls,  a  magazine  for  gunpowder,  and  barracks 
for  200  soldiers.  There  are  barracks  and  a  magazine 
also  in  Castle  Williams.  0 

On  the  left  of  the  bay,  are  Bedlow's  and  Ellis' 
Island,  on  which  are  erected  Fort  Wood  and  Crown 
Fort,  in  both  which  are  barracks,  magazines,  and 
ample  supplies  of  military  stores.  No  vessel  can 
pass  up  the  channel  without  being  raked  by  these 
forts;  and  immediately  behind  the  islands  on  which 
they  stand,  Oyster-beds  and  mud-flats,  running-  close 
in  to  the  shore,  prevent  the  approach  of  any  marine 
force. 


214 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


The  southwest  corner  of  New- York  Island  is  de- 
fended by  an  enclosed  circular  battery  of  stone,  call- 
ed the  West  Battery.  This  fortification  mounts 
twenty-eight  ts2  pounders  ;  has  a  furnace  for  heat- 
ing balls,  a  large  magazine,  and  extensive  barracks. 
About  a  mile  and  a  half  from  this,  on  the  banks  of 
the  Hudson,  standi  the  North  Fort ;  and  about  the 
same  distance,  and  a  little  beyond  the  State  Prison> 
is  Gansevorl  Fort,  complete  in  magazines  and  mili- 
tary stores,  and  fully  sufficient  for  the  protection  of 
the  city,  if  an  enemy  should  ever  be  so  successful, 
and  so  daring,  as  to  approach  in  that  quarter. 

East  of  New- York  Island,  there  is  a  castle 
situated  on  a  rising  ground,  which  commands  the 
passage  at  Hell-Gale,  leading  into  Long-Island 
sound,  besides  a  battery  on  Hallett's  point,  with  a 
blockhouse  on  the  Mill-rock. 

But  of  all  the  means  of  defence,  as  well  as  offen- 
sive warfare,  contrived  by  the  ingenuity  of  man,  the 
vessel  constructed  by  the  lately  deceased  and  justly 
lamented  Kobert  Fulton,  merits  above  all  others 
the  attention  of  strangers.  A  life  of  that  estimable 
character,  comprising  a  clear  and  interesting  account 
of  the  invention,  progress,  and  establishment  of 
steam-boats,  having  been  lately  published  by  his  in- 
timate friend  Cadwallader  D.  Colden^we  shall  take  the 
liberty  of  giving  an  extract  from  that  valuable  work, 
respecting  this  novel  and  extraordinary  machine. 

"  At  the  commencement  of  the  year  1814,  a  num- 
ber of  the  citizens  of  New- York,  alarmed  at  the 
exposed  situation  of  our  harbour,  had  assembled 
with  a  view  to  consider  whether  some  measures 
might  not  be  taken  to  aid  the  government  in  its  pro- 
tection. This  assembly  had,  in  fact,  been  invited 
by  some  knowledge  of  Mr.  Fulton's  plans  for  sub- 
marine attack,  and  of  his  contemplating  other 
means  of  defence.  They  deputed  a  number  of 
gentlemen  to  act  for  them,  and  these  were  called 
the  coast  and  harbour  defence  committee* 


TO  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK.  2l5 

"  Mr.  Fulton  exhibited  to  this  committee  the 
model  and  plan  for  a  vessel  of  war  to  be  propelled  by 
steam,  capable  of  carrying"  a  strong  battery,  with 
furnaces  for  red  hot  shot,  and  which,  he  represented 
would  move  at  the  rate  of  4  miles  an  hour.  The 
confidence  of  the  committee  in  this  design  was  con- 
firmed by  the  opinions  of  many  of  our  distinguished 
naval  commanders,  which  he  had  obtained  in  writ- 
ing and  exhibited  to  the  committee.  In  this  docu- 
ment, which  is  signed  by  Commodore  Decatur, 
Capt.  Jones,  Capt.  Evans,  Capt.  Biddle,  Commodore 
Perry,  Capt.  Warrington,  and  Capt.  Lewis,  these 
gallant  and  experienced  seamen  enumerate  the  fol- 
lowing advantages  that  such  a  vessel  would  possess  : 
In  a  calm  or  light  breeze  she  would  make  choice  of 
position  or  distance.  If  she  could  move  at  the  rate 
of  4  miles  an  hour,  she  could,  in  our  harbours,  bays, 
and  rivers,  be  rendered  more  formidable  than  any 
kind  of  engine  hitherto  invented,  and,  in  such  case, 
she  would  be  equal  to  the  destruction  of  one  or  more 
74's,  or  of  compelling  them  to  depart  from  our  wa- 
ters. They  therefore,  gave  it  as  their  decided 
opinion,  that  it  was  among  the  best  interests  of  the 
United  States,  to  carry  Mr.  Fulton's  plan  into  ex- 
ecution. It  was  contemplated  that  this  vessel,  be- 
sides carrying  her  proposed  armament  on  deck, 
should  also  be  furnished  with  submarine  guns. 

"  The  committee,  without  delay,  addressed  a  me- 
morial to  Congress,  recommending  the  invention  of 
Mr.  Fulton,  and  praying  that  measures  might  be 
adopted  for  executing  his  plan.  With  this  memorial 
the  committee  addressed  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of 
the  Navy,  soliciting,  in  a  very  earnest  manner,  his 
patronage  and  influence  with  the  government.  With- 
out the  skill  and  talents,  they  say,  of  Mr.  Fulton, 
the  machine  cannot  be  constructed.  It  was  appre- 
hended that  there  would  be  great  difficulty  about 
funds.  On  the  one  hand,  there  was  a  disinclination 
tp  make  the  protect  public,  by  inducing  a  discussion 


216 


THE  STRANGER'S  GUIDE 


on  the  subject  in  Congress ;  and  »on  the  other,  it  was 
doubtful  whether  the  executive  was  authorized  to  | 
make  the  necessary  appropriations  without  a  law  for 
the  purpose.    To  obviate  these  difficulties,  the  com-  i 
mittee  offered,  in  behalf  of  the  association  which 
they  represented,  to  construct  the  vessel  at  their 
expense  and  risk,  if  assurances  were  given,  that  the  i 
government,  which  alone  could  give  employment  to 
her,  would  receive  and  pay  for  her  after  she  was  I 
built  and  her  utility  demonstrated.    It  was  estimated 
that  she  would  cost  about  320,000  dollars,  nearly  the 
sum  requisite  for  a  frigate  of  the  first  class. 

"  This  activity  of  private  citizens  for  their  own 
protection  ;  this  voluntary  offer  to  risk  their  funds ;  I 
first,  upon  the  success  of  the  project,  then  upon  a  ■ 
bare  assurance  of  the  executive  of  the  government ; 
and  this  intimate  intercourse  between  the  rulers  and 
the  people,  present  a  view  of  a  state  of  society,  of 
which  it  is  believed  there  are  few  examples*. 

"  The  project  was  zealously  embraced  by  the  ex- 
ecutive, and  the  national  legislature,  in  March  1814, 
passed  a  law  authorising  the  President  of  the  United i 
States  to  cause  to  be  built,  equipped,  and  employed, 
one  or  more  floating  batteries,  for  the  defence  of  thei 
waters  of  the  United  States.  The  building  of  the- 
vessel  was  committed  by  the  coast  and  harbour  de- 
fence association  to  a  sub-committee  of  5  gentle- 
men. They  were  General  Dearborn,  who  then! 
commanded  in  this  district,  Col.  Henry  Rutgers, 
Oliver  Wolcct,  Samuel  L.  Mitchill,  and  Thomas 
Morris,  Esqrs.  who  were  rocognized  by  the  govern- 
ment as  their  agents  for  this  purpose.  Mr.  Fulton, 
whose  soul,  indeed,  animated  the  whole  enterprise, 
was  appointed  the  engineer. 

"  On  theSOth  June  1814,  the  keel  of  this  nove!!J 
and  mighty  engine  was  laid,  and  in  little  more  thanjj 

*  Tiie  writer  mi^ht  have  said  li  no  examples,1*  without  feft^ 

of  cofnradkliao. 


TO  THE  CITY  OP  NEW-YORK.  217 

4  mouths,  that  is,  on  the  29th  of  October,  she  was 
launched  from  the  yard  of  Adam  and  Noah  Brown, 
her  able  and  active  architects.  The  scene  exhibited 
on  that  occasion  was  magnificent.  It  happened  on 
one  of  our  bright  autumnal  days.  Multitudes  of 
spectators  crowded  the  surrounding*  shores,  and  were 
seen  upon  the  hills  which  limited  the  beautiful  prospect. 
The  river  and  bay  were  filled  with  vessels  of  war, 
dressed  in  all  their  variety  of  colours,  in  compliment  to 
the  occasion.  In  the  midst  of  these  was  the  enormous 
floating  mass,  whose  bulk  and  unwieldy  form  seemed 
to  render  her  as  unfit  for  motion,  as  the  land  bat- 
erics  which  were  saluting  her.  Through  the  fleet 
)f  vessels  whieh  occupied  this  part  of  the  harbour, 
vas  seen  gliding  in1  every  direction,  several  of  our 
arge  steam-boats  of  the  burthen  of  3  and  400  tons. 
These,  with  bands  of  music,  and  crowds  of  gay  and 
oyous  company,  were  winding  through  passages  left 
>y  the  anchored  vessels,  as  if  they  were  moved  by 
mchantment.  The  heart  could  not  have  been  hu- 
nan  that  did  not  share  in  the  general  enthusiasm 
ixpressed  by  the  loud  shouts  of  the  multitude.  He 
;ou!d  not  have  been  a  worthy  citizen,  who  did  not 
hen  say  to  himself,  with  pride  and  exultation,  this 
s  my  country !  and  when  he  looked  on  the  man 
vhose  single  geuius  had  erected  the  most  interest- 
ng  objects  of  the  scene,  this  is  my  countryman ! 

,4<  By  May  1815,  her  engine  was  put  on  board,  and 
he  was  so  far  completed  as  to  afford  an  opportunity 
rf  trying  her  machinery.  But,  unhappily,  before 
his  period,  the  mind  that  had  conceived  and  com - 
>ined  it  was  gone*!  It  was  the  pleasure  of  the  Al- 
nighty  that  Fulton  should  live  to  serve  mankind, 
ind  be  taken  to  a  better  world  %•  his  reward. 

"  On  the  4th  of  July,  in  the  same  year,  the 
team-frigate  made  a  passage  to  the  ocean  an<< 
>aek,  and  went  the  distance,  which,  going  and 
eftrrning  is  53  miles,  in  8  hours  and  20  minutes, 

y  the  mere  force  of  her  engine.     These  trials 
T 


218  the  stranger's  guide 

suggested  the  correction  of  some  errors,  and  the 
supplying  of  some  defects  in  the  machinery.  In 
September  she  made  another  passage  to  the  sea,  and 
having  at  this  time  the  weight  of  her  whole  arma- 
ment on  board,  she  went  at  an  average  of  5^  miles 
an  hour,  with,  and  against  the  tide.  When  stem- 
ming the  tide,  which  ran  at  the  rate  of  3  miles  an 
hour,  she  advanced  at  the  rate  of  2£  miles  an 
hour. 

<c  The  truth  is,  there  are  yet  the  most  obvious 
and  important  defects  in  the  machinery  of  this  ves- 
sel ;  and  if  these  were  corrected,  it  is  highly  proba- 
ble that  her  speed  would  be  but  little  inferior  to 
that  of  any  steam  vessel  which  lias  been  built.  The 
substance  of  the  following  description  of  the  JPulion 
the  First,  the  honoured  name  this  vessel  bears,  is 
extracted  from  the  report  of  the  gentlemen  who 
were  the  commissioners  for  building  her. 

"  She  is  a  structure  resting  on  two  boats  and  keels, 
separated  from  end  to  end  by  a  channel  15  feet  wide, 
and  66  feet  long;  one  boat  contains  the  caldrons  of 
copper  to  prepare  her  steam.  The  cylinder  of  iron, 
its  piston,  levers  and  wheels,  occupy  part  of  the  oth- 
er. The  water  wheel  revolves  in  the  space  between 
them.  The  main  or  gun  deck  supports  the  armament., 
and  is  protected  by  a  parapet,  4  feet  10  inches  thick, 
of  solid  timber,  pierced  by  embrasures. — Through  30 
port  holes  as  many  32  pounders  are  intended  to  fire 
red  hot  shot,  which  can  be  heated  with  great  safety 
and  convenience.  Her  upper  or  spar-deck,  upon 
which  several  thousand  men  might  parade,  is  encom  I 
passed  with  a  bulwark  which  affords  safe  quarters 
She  is  rigged  with  two  stout  masts,  each  of  whicH 
supports  a  large  latt^n  yard  and  sails :  she  has  two 
bowsprits  and  jibs,  arid  four  rudders,  one  at  each  ex 
tremity  of  each  boat;  so  that  she  can  be  steered  wit] 
either  end  foremost :  her  machinery  is  calculated  fo 
the  addition  of  an  engine  which  will  discharge  ai 
immense  column  qf  watec  which  is  intended  to  thrm 


TO  THE  dTY  OF  NEW- YORK.  21  <V 

upon  the  decks,  and  through  the  port  holes  of  an 
enemy,  and  thereby  deluge  her  armament  and  ammu- 
nition. If,  in  addition  to  all  this,  we  suppose  her  to 
be  furnished,  according1  to  Mr.  Fulton's  intention y 
with  hundred  pound  Colurribiads,  two  suspended  from 
each  bow  so  as  to  discharge  a  ball  of  that  size  into 
an  enemy's  ship  at  10  or  12  feet  below  her  water- 
line  ;  it  must  be  allowed,  that  she  has  the  appearance, 
at  least,  of  being  the  most  formidable  engine  for 
warfare  that  human  ingenuity  has  contrived. 

"  The  committee  that  superintended  the  building 
of  the  Fulton  the  First,  who  had,  from  the  various 
experiments  they  made,  the  best  opportunity  ofjudg- 
ing  of  her  usefulness,  speak  in  their  last  report  to  the 
government,  with  the  highest  confidence  in  her  pow- 
ers. They  congratulate  the  navy  department  and 
the  nation  on  the  event  of  this  noble  project,  honour- 
able alike,  as  they  truly  say,  to  its  author  and  its  pa- 
trons, by  which  the  city  of  New- York  has  the  power 
to  make  itself  invulnerable,  and  every  bay  and  har- 
bour in  the  nation  be  protected*." 

Connected  with  these  means  of  defence,  there  are 
two  arsenals  at  New- York,  the  United  States  Arsenal, 
in  Bloomingdale-road,  and  the  Slate  Arsenal,  in 
Franklin-street,  in  which  are  kept  large  stores  of 
cannon,  muskets,  powder,  balls,  and  every  other  im- 
plement of  destructive  warfare.  The  former  is  un- 
der the  charge  of  a  Captain  of  ordnance,  and  the  lat- 
ter of  a  Deputy  Commissary.  A  well  ordered  and 
highly  disciplined  militia,  raised  within  the  county, 
are  considered  fully  sufficient  for  its  defence,  and  to 
garrison  the  different  forts,  in  any  case  of  emergency. 

For  the  greater  security  of  this  quarter,  in  future, 
and  with  the  view  of  establishing  a  respectable  nav}r, 
materials  have  been  collected  at  the  naval  yard, 
Long  Island,  for  the  purpose  of  immediately  placing 
(  upon  the  stocks  one  ship  of  the  line,  of  74  guns,  and 

m  — — « 

•  life  of  Fulton,  pp.  220-23?, 


2-20  tiie  stranger's  guide,  &c. 

two  frigates  of  the  first  class.  Similar  measures  have 
been  adopted  in  several  of  the  other  states. 

Nor  must  we  omit  to  notice  the  patriotic  and  un- 
exampled conduct  of  the  inhabitants  of  New-York, 
who,  during"  the  late  contest,  volunteered  their  per- 
sonal services  in  throwing  up  embankments  and  other 
military  works,  on  Harlaem  Heights,  to  protect  some 
vulnerable  points,  and  on  Long  Island,  at  a  place 
where  the  enemy  effected  a  landing  during  the  revo- 
lutionary war ;  the  occupation  of  which  gives  the  en- 
tire command  of  the  heights  of  Brooklyn,  that  over- 
look the  city  and  harbour.  In  this  laudable  effort, 
thousands  of  citizens,  of  all  ages,  and  without  regard 
to  rank  or  station,  were  every  day  seen  abandoning 
their  own  pursuits,  hastening  to  the  spot,  and  con- 
tending with  each  other  who  would  perform  the  great- 
est quantity  of  manual  labour.  During  this  public 
spirited  rivalship,  the  works  proceeded  with  rapidity, 
and  would  soon  have  presented  an  insurmountable 
barrier  to  the  invaders,  had  not  a  stop  been  put  to 
them  by  the  peace.  As  it  was,  they  present,  even 
in  their  unfinished  state,  an  interesting  spectacle,  and 
show  to  the  world  what  a  free  and  united  people  are 
capable  of  accomplishing  when  their  liberties  are  in 
danger. 


APPENDIX. 


No.  I. 

Tune  of  Sailing  of  Steam  Boats,  Horse  Boats, 
Trading  Vessels,  &c. 

RATES  ATiD  REGULATIONS. 

To  Philadelphia. — The  New- York  and  Philadelphia 
Stage  and  Steam  Boat  Company  have  their  office  at 
No.  1  Court landt-street.  The  boats  of  this  Company 
have  three  lines  of  sailing.  The  first  line  leaves  New- 
York  from  the  north  side  of  the  Battery  at  5  o'clock, 
A.  M.  ;  breakfasts  at  Elizabeth-Town  ;  dines  at  Tren- 
ton, and  arrives,  the  same  evening,  at  Philadelphia ; 
fare  8  dollars.    The  second  line  leaves  New- York  at 

10  o'clock,  A.  M. ;  dines  at  Bridgetown  or  Milton, 
nips  and  lodges  at  Trenton  ;  breakfasts  next  morning 
at  Bristol,  and  arrives  at  Philadelphia  between  10  and 

11  o'clock;  fare  5  dollars  and  50  cents.  The  third 
ine  leaves  New- York  at  3  o'clock,  P.M.;  sups  at 
Neu*-B  runs  wick  ;  arrives  at  Bristol  about  3  o'clock, 
where  the  passengers  sleep  'till  7,  when  they  breakfast 
and  proceed  on  to  Philadelphia,  which  they  reach  be- 
tween 10  and  11  o'clock  ;  fare  5  dollars  and  50  cents. 
Exclusive  of  the  fare,  the  road  expenses  are— for  break- 
ast  62£  cents  ;  dinner,  with  table  drink,  75  cents ; 
supper  and  lodging  87£  cents. 

g  N.  B.  The  canal  reaches  only  to  Elizabeth-Town, 
[Sew  Brunswick,  where  stages  are  provided  to  convey 
passengers  over  land  to  Trenton  or  Bristol  on  the  De~ 
aware,  a  distance  of  40  miles. 

The  Olive- Branch  Philadelphia  Steam-Boat  Line, 
The  boats  of  this  company  sail  every  morning  (Sunday 
excepted)  at  7  o'clock,  from  the  north  side  of  the  Bat- 
tery, fn  their  passage  to  Brunswick,  going  and  return* 
T  2 


222  APPE¥1>IX. 

ing  every  day,  they  touch  at  the  Blazing  Star  Ferry  ; 
fare  6  shillings  ;  at  Perth  and  South  Amboy  ;  fare  8 
shillings;  and  at  Brunswick,  fare  12  shillings;  from 
Brunswick  to  Philadelphia,  including  stages  and  boats, 
5  dollars  and  62£  cents— Passengers  breakfast  and  dine 
on  board ;  sleep  at  Trenton,  and  arrive  at  Philadelphia 
at  11  o'clock  next  morning.  Persons  going  to  Bruns- 
wick, and  returning  the  same  day  for  recreation  or 
health,  pa}7  single  fare  only. 

N.  B.  This  company  have  advertised,  that  the  land 
carriage,  in  the  course  of  their  tract,  is  only  twenty-Jive 
miles. 

To  Albany.— The  North-River  Steam-Boats  sail 
from  the  bottom  of  Courtlandt- street,  on  Tuesday  and 
Friday,  at  7  o'clock,  A.  M.  and  on  Wednesday  and 
Saturday,  at  5  o'clock,  P.  M. 

To  New-Haven  and  New- London.— The  Sound 
Steam-Boats  sail  from  the  bottom  of  Fulton-street 
•  very  Monday,  Wednesday  and  Friday,  at  7  o'clock, 
A.  M;;  fare  to  New-Haven  5  dollars;  from  New-Ha- 
ven to  New-London  4  dollars  ;  from  New- York  to 
New-London  8  dollars. 

To  Brooklyn.-— The  Steam-Ferry-Boat  sails  from 
the  bottom  of  Fulton-street  every  quarter  of  an  hour, 
from  sunrise  to  sunset.    [See  Rates  of  Ferriage  below.] 

Row-Boats  are  constantly  stationed  on  both  sides 
this  ferry  for  the  accommodation  of  passengers ;  fare 
G  cents  and  2  cents. 

A  Team  or  Horse-Boat  sails  from  the  bottom  of 
Catharine-street  to  Brooklyn  every  quarter  of  an  hour, 
from  sunrise  to  sunset ;  fare  4  cents. 

To  Elizabeth- Town  and  Staten- Island. — The  Steam- 
Ferry-Boat  to  these  places  sails  from  the  north  side  of 
the  !Jatterv*  twice  a  day  (Sunday  excepted)  at  10, 
A.  M.  and*3  P.  M.  ;  fare  4  shillings. 
*z  To  Pawles-Hoolc— The  Steam-Ferry-Boat  sails 
from  the  bottom  of  Courtlandt-street  every  half  hour, 
from  sunrise  to  sunset ;  fare  12J  cents  ;  carriages  from 
75  cents  to  1  dollar  and  50  cents. 

To  TVU!iamsbitrgh.—A  Team-Boat  sails  from  the 


APPENDIX. 


223 


bottom  of  Delancey-street  at  all  hours  ;  fare  6  cents  ; 
carriages  3  shillings. 

£  A  Row-Boat  sails  at  all  hours  for  the  same  place, 
from  the  bottom  of  Delancey  street ;  fare  6  cents. 

To  Hoboken.—k  Team-Boat  sails  from  the  bottom 
of  Murray-street  every  half  hour  from  sunrise  to  sun 
set ;  fare  1  shilling  ;  carriages  from  1  dollar  to  1  dollar 
and  50  clents. 

A  sail-boat  for  the  same  place  starts  from  the  bottom 
of  Spring-street ;  fare  12£  cents. 

To  Weehawk. — An  open  or  sail-boat  goes  from  the 
bottom  of  Murray-street  twice  a  day  with  passengers  ; 
fare  9  cents. 

TRADING  SLOOPS. 

To  Philadelphia. — -Vessels,  for  the  transportation 
of  goods  to  and  from  Philadelphia,  via  Lambertou 
and  Trenton,  sail  every  Friday  and  Tuesday  from 
Whitehall-dock.  Agents,  Linn  and  Hardenberg,  8 
South-street. 

To  Albany.— A  sloop  sails  from  the  Albany-Basin, 
foot  of  Cedar-street,  every  day,  with  goods  and  pas- 
sengers for  Albany  ;  fare  b  dollars. 

Western  Line. — Vessels  sail  from  New- York  and 
Albany  every  Wednesday  and  Saturday,  with  goods, 
to  any  part     the  United  States  or  Canada. 

Regulations  anc?RATES  of  Ferriage  in  the  Sleamr 
Boats  and  Barges  from  N  eta-York  to  Brooklyn,  estab- 
lished M  arch  4th,  1814. 

cents. 

Every  passenger  4 

wagon,  cart  or  sleigh,  loaded  or  empty, 
drawn  by  2  horses,  mules  or  oxen, 
driver  included       ....  37j 
ditto,  drawn  by  1  horse,  driver  includ- 
ed, when  loaded     ....  25 
ditto,  when  empty,  .       .  .18 

milk  cart  or  sleigh,  with  not  more  than 
4  kettles  of  milk,  full  or  empty,  drawn 
by  1  horae,  driver  included      .  18 


224 


Ai'PKiNDlX.. 


Kvery  wagon  or  rait,  -with  hay  or  straw, 
drawn  by  2  horsesf  mulvs  or  oxen, 
driver  included        .       .      r       .  50 

horse,  mare  or  gelding,  with  or  without 
a  saddle  ,  12J 

fat  ox,  steer  or  bull     ....  25 

all  other  neat  cattle  .       .  Ill 

(the  ferry  master  to  find  head  ropc...; 

calf,  hog  or  j-heep 

lamb 

dead  calf,  hog  or  sheep 
dead  lamb,  pig  or  shote 
a  quarter  of  beef 
firkin  of  butter,  lard  or  tallow  ,  .  1 
pail  or  tub  of  butter,  lard  or  taliow  .  2 
ether  package  of  ditto        ...  3 

cheese    £ 

ham  ......  £ 

cwt.  of  bar  iron,  nail  rods,  nail?,  steel, 
shot,  painters'  colours,  lead,  pewter, 
rice,  sugar,  copperas,  allum,  brimstone, 
dye-wood,  or  any  other  grocery  sold 

by  the  cwt  

cwt.  of  copper,  brass  or  iron  hollow  ware  6 
cwt.  of  gun-pou  der  C 
cwt.  of  beaver,  racoon  skins,  or  coats, 

or  other  furs  ....  4 

bushel  of  salt,  wheat,  rye,  Indian  corn, 
buckwheat,  flaxseed,  or  any  other 
grain  sold  by  the  bushel  .       .  j 

bushel  of  apples,  pears,  peaches,  pota- 
toes, turnips,  walnuts,  green  beans  and 
peas,  and  every  other  article  sold  by 
the  bushel,  heaped  measure     .       «  J 
100  sheephead,  shad  or  bass       .       .  12J 

100  perch  3 

bag  of  fiour  meal  or  bread,  not  exceed- 
ing 2  bushels  .... 
barrel  of  wheat  or  flour,  rye,  or  Indian 
meal     ....      .      ...  3 


APPENDIX. 


225 


Every  barrel  of  bread  .... 
hhd.  or  pipe  of  wine,  rum,  brandy  or 

molasses,  containing  120  gallons 
[in  that  proportion  for  casks  of  a  greater 

or  less  size.) 
barrel  of  soap  .... 
hhd.  of  cider  .... 
barrel  of  cider  .... 
barrel  of  beef  or  pork 
empty  pipe  or  hogshead 
empty  tight  barrel 
empty  flour  cask 

turkey,  goose,  brandt,  or  other  wiid 

tame  fowl 
doz.  of  small  birds     .       .  • 
100  eggs  .  . 

coach  ..... 

phaeton  

one-horse  chair,  standing  top 
other  riding  chair  or  gig 

sulkey  

pair  of  cart  wheels 
pair  of  chair  or  wagon  wheels 
1000  three  feet  shingles 
1000  from  24  to  27  inches  do. 
1000  from  IB  to  22  inches  do. 
1000  feet  of  joist  or  scantling 
board  1  inch  thick,  12  inches  wide,  14 

feet  long  

(in  that  proportion  for  boards  and  planks 
of  different  lengths  and  thickness.) 
jSlQG  lathes  for  shingling 

1000  cedar  or  pine  lathes  for  ceiling 
cedar  bolt  .... 
^     100  pipe  staves  or  heading 
100  hhd.  do. 
100  barrel  do. 
100  feet  window  glass 
tierce  of  lime  .... 
bushel  of  loose  lime 


cents. 


26' 


APPENDIX. 


e€ni*. 

100  brkks  ..... 

full  trunk  or  chest  4  feet  long 

6 

empty        do.  do. 

*> 

do.       3  feet  long 

4 

empty        do.  do. 

0 

lull           do.       2  feet  long 

2 

empty       do.            do.            .  . 

1 

full           do.       less  than  2  feet 

1 

empty       do.  do. 

book-case  or  cupboard 

2  b 

secretary  or  chest  of  drawers 

20 

mahogany  dining  table 

8 

dining  table,  of  other  wood 

4 

mahogany  card  or  tea  table 

4 

card  or  tea  table,  of  other  wood 

2 

piano-forte  • 

20 

mahogany  bedstead 

4 

bedstead,  of  other  wood 

2 

clock  and  case  . 

25 

sideboard   

37£ 

mahogany  settee  .... 

20 

mahogany  cradle  .... 

6 

doz.  of  Windsor,  or  other  sitting  chairs 

12J 

case  with  full  bottles 

4 

case  with  empty  bottles 

2 

doz.  wool  or  cotton  cards  . 

2 

bale  of  cotton  or  wool 

10 

cwt.  of   do.    not  in  bales 

6 

doz.  scythes  

2 

corn  fan  

1 

piece  of  osnaburgs  or  duck 

o 

piece  of  blankets,  duffels,  coatings  or 

frieze  ...... 

4 

piece  of  broad  cloth,  serge,  shrouds,  flan- 

nel, halfthicks  or  druggist  }• 

piece  of  duroy,  calimancoes,  shalloons, 

1 

or  linen  

cloz.  of  men  or  bojV  hat3 

1 

man  or  woman7*  saddle 

1 

pair  of  blankets                .  ... 

1 

/LPPENDIX. 

very  rug    ,  •  , 

doz.  of  spades  or  shovels 
looking-glass,  as  follows  : 
plate  6  feet  long 
do.  5  feet  do. 
do.  4  feet  do. 
do.  3  feet  do. 
do.  2  feet  do. 

all  under  2  feet 
picture,  as  follows : 

glass  4  feet  loDg  or  upwards 
do.  3  feet  do. 
do.  2  feet  do. 

all  under  2  feet 
doz.  frying  pans 
empty  firkin  or  pail 
2  bushel  basket 

(smaller  in  proportion, 


doz.  empty  bags         ....  i 

side  of  sole  leather     ....  1 

aide  of  upper  leather          ...  i 

calf's  skin   \ 

beef's  hide   2 

bear  skin,  or  dry  hide,  or  horse  skin    .  h 

barrel  of  tar,  pitch,  turpentine,  or  rozin  6 

ton  of  cordage,  hemp,  or  flax       .       .  62  J 

coach  body   25 

chaise,  chair,  or  sulkey  body       .       .  9 

crate  of  earthen  ware        .       .  12A 
do.  of  flaxseed  and  dry  beans  or  peas 

of  7  bushels   1 

100  oysters  or  clams          ...  1 

sheaf  of  straw            .   -    .       .       .  £ 

feather  bed   3 

cat-tail,  or  straw  bed        ...  1 

mattrass  of  hair  or  wool  .  ,  ..  2 
chaldron  of  coals  .  .  .50 
cord  of  nut  wood        .              .  .80 

cord  of  oak  or  other  wood          .       .  70 

kettle  of  milk,  of  8  gallons  or  upwards  2 

empty  milk  kettle    ^        ...  1 


cents 
1 


50 
30 
20 
12 
4 
1 


228  APPEITDIS. 

cents. 

E^erv  musket  or  fowling  piece     ...  1 
ream  of  paper  ....  1 

fruit  or  other  tree,  more  than  G  or  less 
than  10  feet  long  ...  4 

all  under  G  feet  ...  | 

pot  or  box  of  flowers  or  shrubs  .  i 

corpse  of  an  adult  ....  25 
corpse  of  a  child  ....  124 
cwt.  of  hay        .       .       .       .  .10 

do?   .-4 

boat  of  household  furniture,  when  a  sin- 
gle boat  is  required         .       .       .  150 


Whenever  a  certain  rate  of  ferriage  is  fixed  for  any 
particular  quantity  or  weight  of  goods  or  merchandize, 
a  proportionable  rate  .f  hall  be  taken  for  any  greater  or 
less  quantity  or  weight  of  the  same  goods. 

No  ferriage  shall  be  paid  for  a  suckling  child,  or  for 
such  small  articles,  not  before  enumerated,  as  a  woman 
carries  in  -her  apron,  or  a  man  or  a  boy  in  his  hand,  or 
under  his  arm. 

Persons  refusing  to  pay  the  above  rates,  to  forfeit 
treble  the  rale,  with  costs  of  suit.  Disputes  to  be  set- 
tled by  any  justice  of  the  peace. 

Ferryman  overcharging,  forfeits  2  dollars  and  50 
cents  for  each  offence. 

Boats  to  be-  at  all  times  in  readiness  during  May, 
June,  July,  August  and  September,  fitem  half  an  hour 
before  sunrise  to  9  o'clock  in  the  evening;  and  from 
sunrise  to  o  o'clock  during  the  rest  of  the  year.  De- 
tention of  passengers  more  than  five  minutes,  except 
when  the  passage  is  dangerous,  subjects  to  a  penalty  of 
50  cents. 

Inhabitants  of  Brooklyn  may  transport  their  own 
goods  in  their  own  boats,  but  not  the  goods  of  others  ; 
penalty  2  dollars  and  50  cents. 

A  sufficient  number  of  barges  to  be  kept  at  the  fer- 
ries for  passengers.  No  baggage  or  lumber  admitted  ; 
penalty  2  dollars 

Two  men  to  be  employed  in  each  boat  and  barge  un- 
der a  penalty  of  5  dollar- . 


APPENDIX. 


The  inhabitants  of  Brooklyn,  or  Long-Island,  may- 
compound  by  the  year  with  the  lessee  of  the  ferry  for 
the  sum  of  10  dollars,  and  in  the  same  proportion  for 
8  months,  for  each  person,  for  the  privilege  of  passing: 
across  the  ferry  in  steam- boats,  common  barges,  and 
sail-boats.  Refusing  or  neglecting  to  compound,  when 
required,  subjects  to  a  penalty  of  20  dollars. 

All  gambling  prohibited  in  steam-boats  by  act  of  the 
Legislature,  dated  April  17,  1816.  Penalty,  fine,  or 
imprisonment,  in  the  option  and  discretion  of  th* 
court. 


No.  II. 

Departure  of  Mail  Stages. 

RATES  AND  REGULATIONS. 

To  Washington. — United  States  Mail  Stage,  from 
No.  1  Courtlandt- street,  every  day  at  12  o'clock  ;  fare 
24  dollars. 

To  Boston.— United  States  Mail  Stage,  from  No.  1 
Courtlandt-street,  every  morning  at  8  o'clock  ;  fare  16 
dollars, 

To  Baltimore. — United  States  Mail  Stage,  from  No. 
1  Courtlandt-street,  every  day  at  12  o'clock ;  fare  18 
dollars. 

To  Philadelphia. — United  States  Mail  Stage,  from 
No.  1  Courtlandt-street,  every  day  at  12  o'clock  ;  ar- 
rives at  Philadelphia  next  morning  at  5  o'clock ;  fare 
10  dollars  50  cents. 

Swiftsure  Mail  Stage  to  Philadelphia,  from  Samuel 
Lyon's,  corner  of  Greenwich  and  Courtlandt  streets, 
every  morning  at  8  o'clock ;  fare  5  dollars  50  cents. 

To  New-Haven. — Mail  Stage,  from  No.  5  Court- 
landt-street, every  morning  at  8  o'clock ;  fare  4  dol- 
lars ;  14  lbs.  of  baggage  gratis,  100  lbs.  the  same  as  a 
seat. 

To  Sag-Harbour. — The  New- York  and  Sag-Har- 
bour Mail  Stage,  from  S.  Smith's,  Brooklyn,  every 
Wednesday,  at  5  o'clock,  P.  M. ;  fare  5  dollars. 


To  Southampton. — The  New-York  and  Southamp- 
ton Mail  Stage,  from  S.  Smith's,  Brooklyn,  every  Wed- 
nesday, at  5  o'clock,  P.  M.  ;  fare  5  dollars. 

Departure  of  Stages  and  Stage  Wagons. 
To  Morristown. — Every  morning  at  9  o'clock,  from 
No.  73  Courtlandt-street ;  fare  1  dollar  75  cents. 

*To  East-Town. — Every  Wednesday  and  Friday, 
at  9  o'clock,  A.  M.  from  No.  73  Courtlaudt-strcct ; 
fare  5  dollars. 

To  Newtown,  Sussex  County. — Every  Thursday  at 
9  o'clock,  A.  M.  from  No.  73  Courtlandt-street ;  fare  3 
dollars. 

To  Brunswick.  —Every  Tuesday,  Thursday,  and  Sa- 
turday, at  9  o'clock,  A.  M.  from  No.  73  Courtlandt- 
street  ;  fare  1  dollar  75  cents. 

To  Paterson. — Every  Tuesday,  Thursday,  and 
Saturday,  at  11  o'clock,  A  M.  from  No.  73 
Courtlandt-street;  fare  1  dollar  50  cents. 

To  Hanover. — Every  Tuesday  and  Saturday,  at  9 
o'clock,  A.  M.  from  No.  73  Courtland-street ;  fare  1 
dollar  50  cents. 

To  Parcipany.—  Every  Tuesday  and  Saturday,  at  9 
o'clock,  A.  M.  from  No.  73  Courtlandt-street ;  fare  i 
dollar  25  cents. 

To  Neivajk. — Every  morning  at  half  past  8;o'dock, 
and  at  half  past  4  in  the  afternoon,  from  No.  79  Court- 
landt-street;  fare  50  cents.  N.B.  No  coach  on  Sun- 
day afternoon. 

To  Belville.— Every  Monday,  Wednesday,  Thurs- 
day, and  Saturday,  at  half  past  3  o'clock,  P.  M.  from 
No.  79  Courtlandt-street ;  fare  50  cents 

To  Greenwich. — Every  two  hours,  from  New-street, 
corner  of  Wall-street ;  fare  25  cents. 

To  Jamaica. — Every  day  at  4  o'clock,  P.  M.  from 
JohnR.  Bedell's,  Brooklyn;  fare  62J  cents. 

To  Oyster-Bay. — Every  Tuesday  and  Saturday,  at 
11  o'clock,  A.  M.  from  J.R.  Bedell's,  Brooklyn;  fare 
1  dollar. 

To  Oyster-Bay,  South. — Every  Wednesday,  at  1 
o'clock,  P.M.  from  Benjamin  Smith's,  Brooklyn;  fare 
7£  cents* 


APPENDIX. 


231 


To  Hampstead. — Every  Tuesday,  Thursday,  and  Sa- 
turday, at  3  o'clock,  P.  M.  from  J.  R.  Bedell's,  Brook- 
lyn ;  fare  75  cents. 

To  Hampstead  Harbour. — Every  Tuesday,  at  it 
o'clock,  A.  M.  from  J.  R.  Bedell'sj^Brooklyn ;  fare  75 
cents. 

To  Babylon. — Every  Wednesday  and  Saturday,  at  8 
o'clock,  A.  M.  from  J.  R.  Bedell's,  Brooklyn;  fare  1 
dollar  25  cent's. 

To  Jericho, — Every  Tuesday  and  Saturday,  at  1 
o'clock,  P.  M.  from  Benjamin  Smith's,  Brooklyn  :  and 
pvery  Wednesday,  at  1  o'clock,  P.  M.  from  J.  R.  Be- 
dell's, Brooklyn;  fare  75  cents. 

To  Buckram. — Every  Friday,  at  1 1  o'clock,  A. 
from  J.  R.  Bedell's,  Brooklyn;  fare  75  cents. 

To  Musquito  Cove. — Every  Thursday  and  Friday, 
from  J.  R.  BedelPs,  Brooklyn:  and  every  Tuesday 
and  Saturday,  at  1  o'clock,  P.  M.  from  Benjamin 
Smith's,  Brooklyn ;  fare  75  cents. 

To  Jerusalem. — Every  Tuesday  and  Wednesday,  at 
2  o'clock,  P.  M.  from  J.  R.  Bedell's,  Brooklyn :  fare 
75  cents. 

To  Herricks. — Every  Saturday,  at  2  o'clock,  P.  M. 
from  J.  R.  Bedell's,  Brooklyn:  and  every  Saturday,  at 
1  o'clock,  P.  M.  from  Benjamin  Smith's,  Brooklyn ; 
fare  62£  cents. 

To  Wesiberry  and  Whitby. — Every  Tuesday  and 
Saturday,  at  1  o'clock,  P.  M.  from  Benjamin  Smith's, 
Brooklyn  ;  fare  75  cents. 

To  Eastwoods. — Every  Friday,  at  1  o'clock,  P.  M. 
from  Benjamin  Smith's,  Brooklyn ;  fare  75  cents. 

To  Flatbush, — Every  morning  at  10  o'clock,  and 
every  evening  at  half  past  6  o'clock,  from  Sammis  & 
Place's,  Brooklyn ;  fare  25  cents. 

To  Flushing  and  N  ewtoven. — Every  day  at  4  o'clock, 
P.  M.  from  Sammis  &  Place's,  Brooklyn ;  fare  62£ 
cents. 

To  Huntington. — Every  Tuesday  at  9  o'clock, 
A.  M.  from  Sammis  &  Place's,  Brooklvn ;  fare  1  dol- 
lar. 

To  Rockaway  (Jar). — Every  Tuesday,  Thursday  and 


APPENDIX. 


Saturday,  at  3  o'clock,  P.  M.  from  J,  R.  Bedell^. 
Brooklyn;  Tare  1  dollar. 

To  Rockaway  (near).     Every  Wednesday,  at  1  f 
o'clock,   from  J.  R.  Bedell's,  Brooklyn;  fare  t/J 
cents. 

By  an  act  of  the  legislature,  passed  April  11th.  1C17. 
it  is  enacted,  "  that  no  owner  nor  owners  of  any  stage 
coach,  wagon,  or  sleigh,  running  or  travelling  upon  anv 
road  in  this  state,  for  the  conveyance  of  passengers, 
shall  hereafter  employ,  or  continue  in  employment,  any 
person  or  persons  to  drive  such  stage,  who  is  or  are  ad- 
dicted to  drunkenness,  or  the  excessive  use  of  ardent 
spirits,  or  any  spirituous  liquor  whatever."  Penalty 
100  dollars  for  every  month  such  person  is  continued  in 
employment. 

Running  stage  coach,  &c.  to  pass  or  prevent  being 
passed  by  any  other,  subject  to  a  penalty  of  5  dollars. 

By  section  3d,  it  is  enacted,  "  that  it  shall  not  be 
lawful  for  any  owner  or  owners  of  any  line  of  stages, 
that  may  have  commenced,  or  may  hereafter  commence 
running  on  any  road  in  this  state,  to  exact  or  receive  , 
from  any  passengers  more  than  seven  cents  per  mile  fdi  | 
each  passenger."  < 


No.  111. 

Hackney  Coach  and  Carnage.  \ 

RATES  AJTD  REGULATIONS. 

The  Mayor  of  the  city  for  the  time  being  shall  iia\ei  p 
full  authority,  from  time  to  time,  to  issue  licenses,  to  li 
so  many  persons  as  he  may  think  proper,  to  keep  hack- 
ney coaches  and  carriages  for  hire,  and  to  revoke  all  oi  i; 
any  of  the  said  licenses:  No  license  shall  continue  in  ifa 
force  for  a  longer  time  than  until  the  first  Monday  in  h 
May  next  after  the  date  thereof :  Every  license  shalli  m 
state  the  number  of  hackne}r  coaches  or  carriages  which  pei 
the  person  is  authorized  to  keep,  and  also  the  numbei  m 
of  his  license.    Each  person  who  may  be  licensed  shal  ) 


APPENDIX. 


233 


pay  to  the  Mayor,  for  the  use  of  the  city,  5  dollars  for 
every  hackney  coach  or  carriage.  If  any  person  shall 
keep  any  hackney  coach  or  carriage  for  hire  in  the  city, 
without  being  licensed,  or  any  greater  number  than 
may  be  specified  in  his  license,  he  shall  forfeit  100  dolls. 

If  any  hackney  coach  or  carriage  shall  resort  to  any 
of  the  stands  hereinafter  designated,  without  having  the 

I  number  of  the  license  placed  in  plain  legible  figures,  of 
at  least  two  inches  in  length,  in  a  conspicuous  manner, 
at  the  centre  of  the  pannel  of  both  of  the  doors  of  such 
hackney  coach  or  carriage,  and  on  the  outside  of  the 
same,  the  owner  and  driver  thereof  shall  respectively 
forfeit  10  dollars  for  every  such  offence. 

Hackney  coaches  and  carriages  may  stand  waiting1 
|or  employment  at  all  times,  (Sundaj's  excepted)  ad- 
joining the  side-walks,  around  the  Bowling-green;  on 
the  easterly  side  of  Broadway,  from  the  poplar  trees  at 
the  southerly  corner  of  the  Park,  to  a  point  opposite  the 
southerly  side  of  Murray-street ;  on  the  northerly  side 
of  Chatham-row,  from  the  poplar  trees  at  the  southerly 
corner  of  the  Park,  to  a  point  opposite  the  southerly- 
side  of  Frankfort-street ;  on  Chatham-square ;  on  the 
easterly  side  of  Broadway  opposite  to  the  corner  of 
White-street ;  on  the  northerly  side  of  Courtlandt-street 
slip,  adjacent  to  the  Steam-Boat  Ferry  wharf;  and  in 
the  centre  of  Fulton-street,  adjacent  to  the  Steam- 
Boat  Ferry  wharf:  no  hackney  coach  or  carriage  shall 
be  placed  along  side  of  any  other  hackney  coach  or 
carriage.  If  any  hackney  coach  or  carriage  shall  stand 
waiting  for  employment  at  any  other  public  street  or 
place,  or  in  any  other  manner  than  is  herein  directed, 
)  the  owner  shall  forfeit  the  sum  of  10  dollars. 

If  the  driver  of  any  hackney  coach  or  carriage,  while 
r  waiting  for  employment  at  either  of  the  said  stands , 
a  shall  snap  or  flourish  his  whip,  or  shall  not  remain  upon 
a  the  seat  of  such  carriage,  (excepting  when  it  may  be 

II  necessary  for  him  to  1  :ave  it,)  or  shall  interrogate  any 
h  person  about  employing  a  carriage,  he  shall  forfeit  the 
?t  sura  of  5  dollars. 

i     The  prices  or  rates  to  be  taken  by  the  owners  of 
U  2 


drivers  of  hackney  coaches  or  carriages,  shall  be  u» 
follows  : 

d.  c . 

For  conveying  a  passenger  for  any  distance  not 

exceeding  one  mile        -       -       -       -       0  2a 
For  conveying  one  passenger  any  distance  ex- 
ceeding a  mile,  and  within  the  Lamp  and 
Watch  Districts  -       -       -       -     .  0  50 

For  every  additional  passenger  -       -       0  25 

For  conveying  one  passenger  to  the  New  Aims- 
House  and  returning      -       -       -       -       0  75 
For  every  additional  passenger  and  returning      0  37£ 
For  conveying  one  or  more  passengers  around 

the  First  or  Sandy-hill  Tour  -      -  10 

For  conveying  one  or  more  passengers  around 

the  Second  or  Love-lane  Tour  -  -  2  0 
For  conveying  one  or  more  passengers  around 

the  Third  or  Lake's  Tour      -       -       -        2  50 
For  conveying  one  or  more  passengers  around 
the  Fourth  or  Apfhorp's  'J  our,  with  the  pri- 
vilege of  detaining  the  carriage  two  hours        3  50 
For  conveying  one  or  more  passengers  to  Har- 
laem  and  returning,  with  the  privilege  c;  de- 
taining the  carriage  two  hours        -       -       4  0 
For  conveying  one  or  more  passengers  to  King.-- 
bridge  and  returning,  wi-'h  the  privilege  of 
keeping  the  carnage  ail  day  5  0 

For  conveying  one  or  more  passengers  any  dis- 
tance not  herein  mentioned  or  described  and 
returning,  for  every  mile  which  they  may  pro- 
ceed from  the  said  stands  respect ively     -       0  50 
For  attending  a  funeral  within  the  Lamp  and 

Watch  Districts  2  0 

Whenever  a  hackney  coach  or  carriage  shall  he  de- 
tained, excepting  as  aforesaid,  the  owner  or  driver  shall 
be  allowed  after  the  rate  of  75  cents  for  an  hour,  and 
m  that  proportion  for  a  greater  or  less  period  of  time. 

The  owners  or  drivers  shall  not  be  entitled  to  de- 
mand, or  receive  any  hire-pay  or  compensation  for  the 
conveyance  of  any  passenger,  unless  the  number  of  the 


APPENDIX. 


235 


carriage,  and  the  rates  and  prices  shall  be  fixed  and 
placed  in  the,  manner  herein  directed,  at  the  time  such 
passenger  or  passengers  were  conveyed  in  such  car- 
riage, nor  from  anv  passenger  from  whom  any  such 
owner  or  driver  shall  demand  or  ask  any  greater  price 
or  rates  than  he  may  be  entitled  to  receive  as  afore- 
said :  and  upon  the  trial  of  any  cause  for  the  recovery 
of  any  of  the  aforesaid  prices  or  rates,  it  shall  be  in- 
cumbent upon  the  plaintiff  to  prove  that  the  number, 
and  prices  or  rates  were  placed  and  fixed,  in  pursuance 
of  the  provisions  of  this  law. 

If  the  owner  or  driver  shall  ask  or  receive  any  larger 
sum  than  they  may  be  entitled  to  receive  as  aforesaid, 
they  shall  forfeit  the  sum  of  20  dollars. 

There  shall  be  fixed  up  in  a  conspicuous  place  within 
the  ^aid  carriages,  and  in  such  a  manner  as  will  be  rea- 
dily observed  by  persons  in  the  same,  a  card,  or  paper, 
containing  the  number  of  the  license,  the  name  of  the 
owner  of  said  carriage,  and  the  whole  of  the  rates, 
printed  in  plain  legible  characters,  under  the  penalty  of 
26  dollars  for  every  time  any  such  carriage  shall  come 
upon  either  of  the  said  stands,  or  shall  convey  any  pas- 
senger, without  having  such  a  card  or  paper  so  placed  ; 
which  penalty  may  be  recovered  of  the  owner  or  driver 
of  said  hackney  coach  or  carriage. 

If  the  owner  or  driver  of  any  hackney  coach  or  car- 
riage, while  on  any  of  the  said  stand*,  shall  refuse  or 
neglect  to  convey  any  person  to  any  place  on  the  inland 
of  New- York,  upon  being  applied  to  for  that  purpose, 
they  shall  forfeit  15  dollars. 

The  Attorney  of  the  Corporation  shall  be  authorized, 
upon  the  recovery  and  receipt  of  any  penalty  under  (bis 
ordinance,  to  pay  over  the  whole  oi  the  frame,  after  de- 
ducting his  fees,  to  the  person  who  shall  give  him  such 
information  as  shall  enable  him  to  prosecute  Ihe  orlcn- 
der  to  judgment. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  persons  who  are  appointed 
by  the  Common  Council  to  give  information  lor  <,;:•  :e  s 
against  the  laws  and  ordinances,  to  examine  the  hack- 
ney coaches  and  carriages,  at  lea&t  once  in  each  n  eck, 


236  APPENDIX. 

and  <o  report  forthwith  to  the  Attorney  of  the  Cor- 
poration  all  violations  of  this  ordinance  which  may 
come  to '-their  knowledge.  If  any  person  shall  hinder 
or  obstruct  the  said  persons  in  the  discharge  of  their 
duties,  they  shall  forfeit  25  dollars. 


No.  IV. 

Cart  and  Cartmen's  Rates  and  Regulations. 

No  person  shall  drive  any  sled,  cart,  truck,  dray,  or 
other  carriage  for  the  transportation  of  any  goods, 
wares,  merchandises,  firewood,  or  other  things  what- 
soever, within  the  city,  for  hire  or  wages,  unless  he 
shall  be  licensed  as  a  cartman  by  the  Mayor,  under  the 
penalty  of  5  dollars;  and  no  person  who  hath  been 
licensed  as  a  cartman,  and  shall  have  been  suspended 
or  displaced,  shall  drive  any  cart,  &c.  for  him,  under 
the  penalty  of  10  dollars. 

Whenever  the  Mayor  shall  grant  a  license  to  a  j 
minor,  he  shall  take  a  bond  from  a  good  and  sufficient  I 
surety,  as   security  for  such  minor's  good  behaviour 
as  a  cartman,  and  to  pay  such  damages  as  may  be  sus- 
tained by  any  person  or  person  employing  him. 

Each  sled  or  cart  to  be  employed  for  the  transpor-  i 
tation  of  any  goods,  wares,  merchandise,  firewood,  or  ; 
other  things,  shall  be  2  feet  5  inches  wide,  between  the 
foremost  run^s,  and  2  feet  9  inches  wide  between  the  , 
hindmost  rungs,  and  no  more  or  less  ;    and  all  the  1 
rungs  shall  be  3  feet  8  inches  high  above  the  floor  of  the 
sled  or  cart,  and  no  more  or  less,  under  the  penalty  of 
20  dollars,  to  be  paid  by  the  owner  or  possessor 
thereof. 

Each  cartman  shall  cause  the  number  of  his  license) 
to  be  fairly  painted  upon  each  side  of  his  cart,  with 
black  paint  upon  a  white  ground,  easily  to  be  seen,  on 
the  square  of  the  after  part  of  the  shaft,  under  the  ( 
penalty  of  20  dollars  for  every  day  he  shall  drive  his  J 
cart  without  having  the  same  so  numbered  ;  and  shaE  j 0 
also  forfeit  his  license. 


APPENDIX. 


237 


Licensed  cartmen  shall  be  permitted  to  use  iron  shod 
wheels,  under  the  following  regulations ;  to  wit,  that 
the  iron  or  tire  round  the  wheels,  shall  be  in  breadth 
not  less  than  3  inches,  and  the  nails  wherewith  the 
same  shall  be  nailed  to  the  wheels,  shall  be  so  sunk  into 
the  iron  or  tire,  as  that  the  heads  of  such  nails  shall 
not  project  beyond  the  surface  thereof,  under  the 
penalty  of  2  dollars,  for  each  day  he  shall  so  drive  the 
said  cart.  The  rims  of  the  wheels  of  all  carts  not 
shod  with  iron  in  the  manner  aforesaid,  shall  not  be 
less  than  4  inches  and  an  half  broad,  and  8  inches  deep 
when  new,  on  pain  of  forfeiting  his  license,  and  the 
sum  of  5  dollars. 

No  cartman  shall  drive  the  cart  of  any  person  upon 
hire  or  on  shares,  under  the  penalty  of  5  dollars  for 
each  offence  ;  nor  shall  any  cartman  let  out  his  cart  or 
sled  to  hire,  or  on  shares,  to  any  person,  or  permit  or 
hire  any  person  to  drive  his  cart,  but  shall  drive  it  him- 
self;  unless  by  reason  of  sickness  or  other  disability, 
he  obtain  a  license  from  the  Mayor,  or  in  his  absence 
from  the  Recorder,  under  the  penalty  of  5  dollars;  and 
upon  conviction  thereof,  he  shail  forfeit  his  license  ; 
and  the  person  to  whom  such  cart  or  sled  shall  be  let 
out,  shall  forfeit  3  dollars  for  every  day  or  part  of  a 
day  such  cart  or  sled  shall  be  so  let  out  or  employed. 

If  any  cartman  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  employ  his 
horse  and  cart,  or  sled,  for  any  person  when  required, 
(unless  he  be  then  actually  otherwise  employed,  or  un- 
less the  distance  he  shall  be  required  to  go  shall  be 
more  than  4  miles  from  the  City-Hall,)  such  cartman 
shall  forfeit  3  dollars. 

Every  cartman  shall,  upon  request,  leave  all  othe*5 
employments,  to  attend  to  the  riding  and  carting  oi 
wheat,  flour,  or  any  other  merchandise,  or  other  thing 
subject  to  damage,  under  the  penalty  of  3  dollars. 

Each  of  the  cartmen  shall  carry  a  good  and  suffi- 
cient load,  that  is  to  say,  as  much  as  can  be  con- 
veniently stowed  on  his  cart,  and  is  reasonable  for  one 
borse  to  draw,  under  the  penalty  of  1  dollar.  No  cart-* 
man  shall  load  in  his  cart  at  one  time,  more  than  one 


'238 


APPENDIX. 


puncheon  or  hogshead  of  rum,  one  hogshead  of  molas- 
ses, one  hogshead  of  sugar,  one  pipe  of  wine,  or  hogs- 
head, puncheon,  or  pipe  of  any  other  liquors ;  and  no 
greater  quantity  of  liquors  shall  be  loaded  or  carried 
in  a  cart  at  one  time,  in  small  casks,  than  150  gallons, 
under  the  penalty  of  1  dollar. 

The  prices  or  rates  to  be  taken  by  cartmen,  for  the 
loading,  carrying,  and  unloading  of  goods,  wares, 
merchandises,  and  other  things,  shall  be  as  follows: 

For  every  bale  of  cotton,  barrel  of  oil  or  potash,  box 
of  Havannah  sugars,  or  hundred  feet  of  timber  12£ 
cents. 

For  every  hogshead  of  beer,  ale,  or  molasses,  con- 
taining from  60  to  90  gallons,  31  cents. 

For  every  load  of  bar-iron,  every  4  tierces  of  bread, 
every  load  of  bricks,  every  12  bushels  of  clay  or  sand, 
every  load  of  coffee  in  bags  or  barrels,  small  cordage, 
dye  wood,  European  goods,  every  3  tierces  of  flax- 
seed, every  load  of  fire-wood,  every  12  bags  of  flour, 
7  barrels  of  flour,  every  load  of  gammons  or  hams, 
paints,  whiting,  pimento,  beef;  every  5  barrels  of 
beef,  pork,  tar,  pitch,  or  turpentine ;  every  2  tierces 
of  rum,  every  twenty  bushels  of  salt,  every  load  of 
wheat,  building  or  paving  stones,  boards,  planks,  scant- 
ling, or  other  timber,  31  cents. 

For  every  load  of  bricks  handled  and  piled,  calves, 
sheep,  lambs,  cider,  cheese,  or  cocoa ;  every  cask  of 
cocoa  containing  above  1000  weight ;  for  every  half 
chaldron  of  coal,  hogshead  of  coffee  containing  above 
1000  weight ;  for  every  load  of  earthen-ware  loose, 
hay  in  bales,  bundles,  or  tresses,  or  heading  ;  for  every 
50  hides ;  for  every  load  of  hcrnp  in  bales  or  bundles ; 
hoops  or  hoop-poles ;  iron  pots  and  kettles ;  oysters 
and  oyster-shells,  or  pantiles ;  erery  small  pipe  of 
brandy ;  for  every  load  of  tiles  or  slate,  shingles,  or 
staves  loose,  for  every  hogshead  of  sugar  weighing 
above  9  and  not  exceeding  15  cwt. ;  for  every  load  of 
cut  stone,  for  every  load  of  tea,  for  every  hogshead  of 
tobacco  not  exceeding  15  cwt.  ;  for  every  load  of  dried 
foh  loose,  37i  cents. 


APPENDIX, 


239 


For  every  hogshead  of  alum,  or  copperas  weighing 
i;  from  12  to  15  cwt.  ;  for  every  hogshead  of  molasses, 
I  containing  from  90  to  140  gallons  ;  for  every  hogshead 
of  paints  or  whiting,  weighing  from  12  to  15  cwt.  or 
I  hogshead  of  rum,  44  cents. 

For  every  load  of  household  furniture  ;  for  every  12 
1  cwt.  weight  of  loose  hemp;  for  every  pipe  of  brandy 
I  exceeding  100  gallons,  pipe  of  gin  or  wine;  for  every 
I  five  quarter-casks  of  wine  ;  and  for  every  ton  of  plaster 
of  Paris,  50  cents. 

For  every  hogshead  of  alum,  whiting,  paints,  sugar, 
copperas,  or  tobacco,  containing  each  above  15  cwt. 
and  less  than  a  ton,  56  ceuts. 

For  every  hogshead  or  load  of  paints,  whiting,  sugar, 
or  tobacco,  containing  each  more  than  one  ton  weight, 
75  cents. 

For  every  load  of  loose  hay,  1  dollar. 

For  every  cable  one  half  shot,  of  from  5  to  7  inches 
in  circumference,  37  i  cents. 

For  every  cable  whole  shot,  of  like  dimensions,  75 
cents. 

For  every  cable  one  half  shot,  of  from  7  to  10  inches 
n  circumference,  874  cents. 

For  every  cable  whole  shot,  of  like  dimensions, 
I  dollar  75  cents. 

For  every  Cable  whole  shot,  of  10  and  not  exceeding 
L2  inches  in  circumference,  2  dollars. 

For  every  cable  whole  shot,  of  12  and  not  exceeding 

4  inches  in  circumference,  3  dollars. 

For  every  cable  half  shot,  of  the  dimensions  of  the 
wo  last  mentioned,  1  dollar  50  cents. 
For  every  cable  whole  shot,  of  14  and  not  exceeding 

5  inches  in  circumference,  4  dollars. 

For  every  cable  half  shot,  of  like  dimensions,  2 
[ollars. 

For  every  cable  whole  shot,  above  15  inches  in  cir- 
umference,  5  dollars. 
.    For  every  cable  half  shot,  of  like  dimensions,  2  do!- 
,  irs  50  cents. 


APPENDIX . 


For  every  load  of  goods,  wares,  merchandise,  or 
other  things  not  herein  enumerated,  51  cents. 

In  all  cases  where  the  distance  exceeds  half 
a  mile,  and  does  not  exceed  2  miles,  the  cartman  shall 
be  entitled  to  receive  one  third  more  for  every  load  of 
the  same  articles,  for  every  additional  half  mile  he  shall 
<:art  or  transport  the  same. 

If  any  cartman  stall  ask,  demand,  receive,  take, 
exact,  or  extort,  any  greater  rate  or  rates,price  or  prices 
or  compensation  for  carting  any  goods,  wares,  merchan- 
dises, wood,  or  other  things,  than  are  above  mentioned 
and  limited,  or  shall  be  guilty  of  any  embezzlement  or 
deceit  in  the  execution  of  his  duty,  he  shall  be  sus- 
pended from  being  a  cartman  and  forfeit  5  dollars. 

All  cartmen,  draymen,  and  water-carriers  who  shall 
use  any  cart  or  sled,  shall  be  under  the  same  regula- 
tions, and  subject  to  all  the  lines,  forfeitures  and  penal- 
ties, to  which  the  cartmen  are  subjec  tand  liable  by 
this  law. 

If  any  person  shall  transport  any  timber,  plank,  or 
poles  exceeding  the  length  of  S5  feet,  within  the  lamp 
and  watch  districts,  in  or  upon  a  sleigh  or  cart,  they 
shall  forfeit  5  dollars. 

If  any  cartman  shall  demand  or  ask  any  greater  price 
or  rate  from  any  person  for  any  of  the  before  mentioned 
services  than  such  cartman  may  be  authorized  to  re- 
ceive as  aforesaid,  he  shall  not  be  entitled  to  recover 
any  compensation  for  the  same. 


No.  V. 

Pcricrs. 

RATE 3  AX©  REGULATIONS. 

If  any  person  shall  follow  the  business  of  a  pubh 
porter,  or  of  a  hand-cartman  in  the  city,  without  bein 
licensed  as  such  by  the  Mayor,  they  shall  forfeit  5  do 

;ars. 


APPENDIX. 


24 1 


Each  of  the  public  porters  or  hand-cartmen  shall 
wear  a  badge,  on  which  shall  be  engraved  his  name  and 
the  number  of  his  license;  and  shall  also  have  his  name 
and  the  number  of  his  license,  together  with  the  price4- 
jpr  rates  hereinafter  allowed,  printed  or  engraved  in  le- 
gible characters  on  a  card  or  plate,  which  shall  be  nail- 
ed on  a  conspicuous  part  of  his  wheelbarrow  or  hand- 
cart, under  the  penalty  of  5  dollars. 

The  prices  or  rates  to  be  taken  by  the  public  porters 
for  carrying  a  load  upon  a  wheelbarrow  are  as  follows  . 

cente, 

For  any  distance  not  exceeding  half  a  mile 
For  any  distance  over  half  a  mile,  and  not 

exceeding  a  mile         ....  25 
(and  in  that  proportion  for  any  greater  distance.) 
For  carrying  a  load  upon  a  hand-barrow, 

for  any  distance  not  exceeding  half  a  mile  25 
For  any  distance  over  half  a  mile,  and  not 

exceeding  a  mile  ....  44 

(and  in  that  proportion  for  any  greater  distance.) 
The  prices  or  rates  to  be  taken  by  the  hand-cartmen- 
for  carting  a  load  in  a  hand-cart,  are  as  follows  : 

cent?. 

For  any  distance  not  exceeding  half  a  mile  18 

For  any  distance  over  half  a  mile,  and  not 
exceeding  a  mile  .       .       .       .  31 

(and  in  that  proportion  for  any  greater  distance.) 

If  any  public  porter  or  hand-cartman  shall  ask,  de- 
mand, or  receive  any  greater  rate  or  price  for  trans- 
porting any  article  or  articles  than  is  herein  allowed, 
he  shall  forfeit  5  dollars. 

No  porter  or  hand-cartman  shall  be  entitled  to  any 
compensation  for  carrying  or  carting  a  load  upon  a 
wheelbarrow  or  hand-cart,  unless  the  prices  or  rates 
are  fixed  upon  it;  and  in  any  suit  for  the  recovery  of 
any  of  the  rates  or  prices,  it  shall  be  incumbent  upon 
the  plaintiff  to  prove  upon  the  trial  of  the  same,  that 
the  rates  or  prices  were  fixed  or  placed  as  aforesaid. 

If  any  of  the  public  porters  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to 
transport  any  article  when  required,  unless  he  shall  then 
be  actually  otherwise  employe-d  or  unless  the  distance 
X 


242 


APPENDIX. 


he  shall  then  be  required  to  go  shall  be  more  than  two 
miles,  he  shall  forfeit  5  dollars. 

If  any  public  porter  or  hand-cartman  shall  permit  or  t 
suffer  any  other  person  to  carry  any  article  in  his  wheel  | 
or  hand-barrow  or  hand-cart,  or  to  wear  his  badge, 
he  shall  forfeit  5  dollars. 

The  Attorney  of  the  Corporation  shall  be  authorized,  1 
upon  the  recovery  and  receipt  of  any  penalty  under  this 
ordinance,  to  pay  over  the  whole  of  the  same  to  the  I 
person  who  shall  give  him  such  information  as  will  ena-  II 
ble  him  to  prosecute  the  offender  to  judgment. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  persons  appointed  by  the 
Common  Council  to  give  information  of  all  offences  I: 
against  the  law«,  and  also  of  the  Deputy  Clerks  of  the 
markets,  to  visit  the  stands  of  the  porters  at  least  once 
a  week,  and  to  report  to  the  Attorney  of  the  Corpora- 
tion the  names  of  all  such  porters  or  hand-cartmen  as 
shall  not  have  the  said  rates  placed  as  aforesaid  upon 
their  wheelbarrow  or  hand-cart. 

If  any  porter  or  hand-cartman  shall  demand  or  ask 
any  greater  price  or  rate  from  any  person  for  any  of  the 
"before-mentioned  services,  than  such  porter  or  hand- 
cartman  may  be  authorized  to  receive  as  afoiesaid,  he 
shall  not  be  entitled  to  recover  any  compensation  for 
any  such  services. 


No.  VI. 
Chimney- Sweepers'1 

RATES  AND  REGULATIONS. 

Chimney-Sweepers  are  licensed,  for  which  they  pay 
3  dollars  per  annum.  No  boys,  under  11  years  of  age, 
to  be  employed.  They  must  be  comfortably  clad, 
wrell  fed,  and  not  to  work  before  6  o'clock,  A.M.,  nor 
after  4  P.  M.  in  winter  :  nor,  in  summer,  before  5 
o1clock  A.  M.  nor  after  6,  P.  M. ;  penalty  5  dollars. 

Chimneys  taking  fire  within  one  month  after  having 
been  swept,  subjects  the  sweeper  to  all  penalties  in- 
curred thereby.  Badges  to  be  worn  by  master,  ap» 
prentices,  and  servants ;  penalty  2  dollars. 


APPENDIX. 


243 


Rates. 

cents, 

Sweeping  every  chimney  from  the  uppermost 


floor  of  any  house      .  .       .       •       .  154 

From  the  next  floor  below  .       .       .       .  184 

  the  next  floor  below  ...  .25 

  the  next  floor  below  ....  31 

—  the  next  floor  below  ....  374 
  the  next  floor  below  ....  44 


Where  a  franklin  stove,  coal  grate,  or  jack,  are 
used  in  any  fire-place,  additional  charge  124  cents. 

Inspector  of  Chimney-Sweepers  appointed  for  one 
year,  to  see  the  law  respected,  and  to  report. 


No.  VII. 

Abstract  of  Corporation  Laws  and  Ordinances  during 
the  Mayoralty  of  Jacob  Radcli  . 

passed  5th  May,  1817. 

Observance  of  Sunday.— -No  servile  work  or  labour, 
buying  or  selling,  (except  fish  and  milk  before  9  in  the 
morning,  and  milk  after  5,  P.  M.)  no  hunting,  shooting, 
fishing,  sport  or  play,  no  wading  horses  in  the  rivers,  per- 
mitted ;  penalty  5  dollars. 

No  tipling,  or  excessive  drinking,  allowed  in  inns, 
grocery-stores,  victualling-houses,  ordinaries  or  pub- 
lic gardens ;  penalty  iO  dollars. 

Religious  congregations  may  cause  chains  to  be  put 
across  the  streets  in  front  and  along  the  side  of  their 
houses  of  worship,  during  service. 

Street  Preaching. — Prohibited,  without  permission 
from  the  Mayor,  Recorder,  or  one  of  the  Aldermen ; 
penalty  50  dollars. 

Disturbing  licensed  clergymen  prohibited  ;  penalty 
25  dollars. 

Gambling. — No  gaming  table  or  device  to  be  ex- 
posed in  the  streets  ;  penalty  25  dollars.  Persons  play- 
ing, 5  dollars. 


244 


APPENDIX. 


Masquerades."* Prohibited  in  inn?  or  taverns ;  penalty  I 
250  dollars. 

Bathing.— Prohibited  near  ferry-stairs,  the  battery, 
or  within  certain  bounds,  be! ween  6  o'clock,  A.  M. 
and  8,  P.  M.  ;  penalty  5  dollars. 

Flying  Kites.— Prohibited  within  the  lamp  or  watch 
district  of  the  city  ;  penally  5  dollars. 

Horses  and  Horse  Racing.— No  horse  to  be  driven 
before  another  in  the  manner  called  tandem,  otherwise 
than  on  a  walk,  within  the  watch  and  lamp  districts,  j 
or  on  turning  the  corner  of  a  street;  or  at  a  greater 
speed  than  5  miles  an  hour.  Not  to  be  exposed  to  sale 
in  the  streets,  or  run  at  large  ;  penalty  5  dollars.  Horse  ' 
racing,  or  trotting  for  a  wager,  prohibited ;  penalty 
50  dollars. 

Bells.—- Not  to  be  rung  or  tolled  at  any  funeral ;  pen- 
alty 25  dollars. 

City  Inspector.— Appointed  by  the  Common  Coun- 
cil, with  a  salary  of  1,250  dollars  per  annum.  His 
duty  is  "  to  take  all  necessary  measures  to  ascertain 
all  nuisances  which  may  exist  in  the  said  city  ;  to  ex- 
amine or  cause  the  same  to  be  examined  ;  to  report 
suitable  ordinances  to  the  Common  Council,  for  their 
correction  and  removal,  and  to  cause  copies  of  the  same 
to  be  served  upon  the  persons  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
correct  or  remove  such  nuisance."  He  must  also  re- 
port such  offenders  to  the  Attorney  for  the  Corporation 
as  ought  to  be  prosecuted  ;  attend  the  Board  of  Health, 
and  be  subject  to  such  instructions  as  they  may  give 
respecting 

NUISANCES. 

Night  Scavengers.—- Are  appointed  by  the  City  In- 
spector ;  penalty  for  acting  without  licence,  2  dollars. 

Board  of  Health  to  inquire  respecting,  and  to  re- 
move, nuisances  ;  also  ail  persons  infected  with  epi- 
demical disease,  out  of  the  ci^  ;  penalty  of  obstruc- 
tions, 250  dollars. 

Inspector,  or  assistants,  to  examine,  between  sun-  j  j 
rise  and  sunset,  all  foul,  damp,  sunken,  or  ill-construct-  j  < 
ed  buildings,  and  cause  them  to  be  cleaned,  altered  or  i  ; 
amended  ;  penalty  of  obstruction  50  dollars. 

No  made  ground,  or  ground  formerly  covered  witk 


APPENDIX. 


245 


salt,  or  stagnant  water,  to  be  turned  up,  or  the  surface 
removed,  during  June,  July,  August,  and  September, 
without  permission  ;  penalty  100  dollars. 

No  standing  water  to  be  kept  in  pits,  vats  or  pools, 
in  any  house  or  yard;  penalty  50  dollars. 

Undressed,  or  uncurried  hides,  skins,  or  leather,  or 
blubber,  or  materials  for  dressing  leather,  not  to  be 
kept  for  24  hours,  within  a  certain  district ;  penalty  10 
dollars. 

The  sale  of  oysters  prohibited  between  1st  June  and 
1st  September  ;  penalty  2  dollars  each  hundred. 

All  booths  on  the  streets  (except  on  4th  July)  pro- 
hibited ;  penalty  5  dollars. 

Dead  bodies  to  be  interred  in  graves  6  feet  deep, 
without  removing  or  disturbing  other  graves,  or  ex- 
posing their  contents.  All  persons  dying  of  a  contagious 
disorder  (except  small-pox  or  measles)  to  be  buried 
to  the  northward  of  Grand-street  ;  penalty  100  dollars. 
Funerals  not  to  pass  on  side-walks  ;  penalty  10  dollars. 

Slaughter-houses  to  be  washed,  and  thoroughly  clean- 
ed, every  day,  from  1st  June  to  1st  November  ;  penal- 
ty 10  dollars.  Filthy  water  from  thence  not  to  be 
thrown  upon  the  premises  of  any  neighbour ;  penalty 
100  dollars. 

Exposing  dead  horses  on  the  streets,  or  throwing  them 
into  the  docks  or  slips,  prohibited  ;  penalty  10  dollars. 

Putrid  meat,  or  substance,  of  every  description,  to 
be  thrown  into  the  stream  of  the  Hudson  or  East  rivers. 

Tubs  from  privies  to  be  removed  between  11  o'clock 
P.  M.  and  3,  A.  M.  from  1st  May  to  SOth  September  ; 
and  between  10,  P.  M.  and  5,  A.  JVI.  from  1st  October 
to  1st  April ;  penalty  10  dollars. 

Filth  and  Dirt. — All  the  manure,  filth,  dirt,  and 
rubbish,  which  shall  be  found  in  the  paved  streets,  and 
all  the  offals,  garbage,  dirt,  and  filth,  which  shall  be 
brought  out  from  the  houses,  cellars,  alleys,  yards,  and 
lots,  shall  be  granted  to  such  two  or  more  fit  and 
proper  persons  as  shall  contract  for  the  same,  for  such 
sums  of  money  as  shall  be  agreed  upon  between  them 
and  the  Common  Council. 

X  2 


246 


APPENDIX. 


The  city  shall  be  divided  into  two  districts,  by  a 
line  to  begin  at  the  east  river,  at  *the  Fly-market-slip, 
and  to  run  up  and  through  the  said  slip  to  and  through 
Maiden-lane  to  Broadway,  and  up  Broadway  to  Art- 
street,  from  thence  to  Stuyvesant-street,  and  from 
the  nee  to  the  east  river  :  All  that  part  of  the  city  lyiiig 
between  the  said  line  and  the  east  river,  to  be  called 
the  Eastern  District ;  and  to  include  therein  the  Fly- 
market-slip,  the  Fly-market,  and  street  on  each  side 
thereof,  and  Maiden-lane.  And  the  residue  of  the  city, 
including  Broadway,  to  be  called  the  Western  Dis- 
trict. 

The  owner,  lessee,  or  person  having  charge  of  each 
and  every  house,  or  other  building,  or  lot  of  ground 
adjoining  to  any  paved  street,  shall  twice  in  every 
week,  upon  the  days  herein  after  prescribed,  from  the 
1st  of  April  to  the  1st  of  December,  before  the  hour  of 
10  in  the  morning,  cause  all  the  rubbish,  dirt,  and  filth, 
in  their  respective  houies,  cellars,  alleys,  yards  and  lots, 
(except  offals  and  garbage,  and  the  articles  enumerat- 
ed in  the  13th  section  of  this  law,)  to  be  brought  out 
into  the  street  opposite  to  their  respective  buildings 
and  lots  of  ground  ;  and  all  the  dirt  and  filth  in  the 
streets  as  far  as  the  middle  of  the  same,  and  in  the 
gutter  and  kennel  thereof,  opposite  and  next  adjacent 
to  such  buildings  and  lots,  to  be  swept,  scraped,  and 
collected  together  in  heaps  in  the  middle  of  the  street, 
under  the  penalty  of  2  dollars  for  each  neglect.  Each 
and  every  occupant  of  any  house  or  other  building  shall 
be  severally  liable  to  pay  the  same  penalty. 

The  person  having  charge  of  any  church,  or  other 
place  of  public  worship,  college,  school,  hospital,  or 
cemetery,  shall,  in  like  manner,  cause  so  much  cf  the 
strei  lt,  gutters,  and  kennels,  as  mnv  be  opposite 
thereto,  and  to  the  lots  of  laud  appertaining  to  the 
same,  to  be  swept,  scraped,  and  cleansed,  and  the 
dirt  and  fiith  thereof  collected  and  laid  in  heaps,  twice 
in  e\cry  week,  under  the  penalty  of  6  dyjlara  roc  each 
neglect 


APPENDIX. 


These  duties  shall  he  performed  by  the  owners,  &c. 
of  houses,  &c.  adjoining  to  Broadway,  or  situate  to 
the  westward  thereof,  and  to  the  southward  of  Murray- 
street,  and  that  part  which  lies  between  Peck-slip, 
Ferry-street,  Spruce-street,  Nassau-street,  Chatham- 
street,  Tryon-row,  Cross-street,  Reed-street,  Elm- 
street,  Orange-street,  Prince-street,  Mott -street, 
James-street,  New-slip,  and  the  East  River,  includ- 
ing the  said  streets  and  slips,  which  snail  be  called  the 
First  division,  on  every  Monday  and  Thursday.  And 
in  that  part  which  lies  between  the  East  River,  and  a 
line  running  up  Whitehall-slip  through  Whitehaij-street 
to  State-street,  thence  through  State-street  to  Broad- 
way, through  Broadway  to  Prince-street,  thence 
through  Prince-street  to  Elm-street,  thence  down  Elm- 
street  to  Orange  street,  and  thence  to  and  through 
Reed-street,  Cross-street,  Tryon-row,  Chatham-street, 
and  Nassau-street  to  Spruce-street,  Ferry-street,  and 
Peck-slip,  to  the  East  River  aforesaid,  which  shall 
be  called  the  Second  Division,  on  every  Tuesday 
and  Friday.  And  in  all  olher  parts  of  the  city, 
"which  shall  compose  the  Third  Division,  on  every 
Wednesday  and  Saturday  in  every  week.  Before  the 
streets  are  swept,  the  same  shall  be  sufficiently  sprinkled 
with  water,  under  the  penalty  of  2  dollars  for  each 
neglect. 

No  oiTaU  or  garbage  shall  at  any  time  be  cast  or 
laid  in  any  street,  lane,  or  alley  in  this  city  ;  and  no 
rubbish,  dirt,  filth,  or  any  other  thing  whatsoever,  shall 
be  cast  or  laid  in  any  street,  lane,  or  alley,  except  on 
the  days  and  before  the  hour  prescribed  for  the  sweep- 
ing and  cleaning  of  the  streets,  under  the  penalty  of  10 
dollars  for  each  offence. 

The  contractors  shall  cause  all  the  rubbish,  &c,  col- 
lected in  heaps,  to  be  carted  away  before  sunset  on  the 
several  days  when  the  same  shall  be  so  collected,  so 
that  the  whole  of  a  street,  or  part  of  a  street,  shall  be 
fully  cleared  at  the  same  time,  under  the  penalty  of  10 
dollars  for  each  neglect. 


248 


APPENDIX. 


The  contractors  shall,  at  their  own  expense,  cause 
all  the  dirt,  Sec.  to  be  removed  from  the  public  markets 
every  Sunday  before  the  hour  of  9  in  the  morning,  and 
every  other  day  except  Saturday  by  4  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon,  under  the  penalty  of  10  dollars  for  each 
neglect. 

The  contractors  shall,  at  their  own  expense,  cause 
the  heads  of  slips  and  the  streets  in  front  of  public 
buildings  and  other  public  grounds,  except  as  before 
mentioned,  to  be  swept;  and  the  dirt,  &c.  there 
scraped  and  collected  in  heaps,  twice  in  each  week, 
before  the  hour  of  10  in  the  morning,  on  the  days 
assigned  for  sweeping,  from  the  15th  March  to  the  15th 
December  :  and  shall,  before  sunset  on  the  same  days, 
cause  all  such  sweepings,  dirt,  &c.  to  be  removed,  un- 
der the  penalty  of  10  dollars  for  each  neglect. 

A  sufficient  number  of  carts  shall  be  employed  by 
the  contractors  for  collecting  and  removing  all  vege- 
tables, offals,  and  garbage,  from  the  houses,  cellars, 
kitchens,  and  yards ;  and  from  the  15th  March  to  the 
15th  December,  the  contractors  shall  cause  such  carts 
to  pass  at  least  once  a  day,  Sundays  excepted,  through 
each  of  the  streets;  and  the  persons  employed  to  drive 
such  carts,  shall,  at  proper  intervals,  give  notice  of 
their  approach  by  the  ringing  of  a  bell,  and  shall  re- 
ceive all  such  vegetables,  offals,  and  garbage,  as  shall 
be  delivered  at  the  said  carts :  for  each  neglect  the 
contractor  shall  forfeit  10  dollars. 

From  the  1st  of  December  to  the  1st  of  April,  no 
ashes,  cinders,  dirt,  or  rubbish  shall  be  cast  or  laid  in 
any  street,  under  the  penalty  of  10  dollars  for  each 
offence ;  and  during  that  period  the  contractors  shall 
cause  the  bell-carts  to  pass  through  the  streets,  twice 
in  each  week,  on  the  days  assigned  for  sweeping  ;  and 
the  carts  shall  pass  between  the  hours  of  9  and  12 
o'clock  in  the  forenoon  of  each  of  the  said  days :  the 
persons  employed  by  the  contractors  to  drive  such 
carts,  shall  give  notice  of  their  approach  in  the  man- 
ner above  directed  ;  and  shall  receive  all  such  ashes, 


APPENBIX. 


249 


&c .  as  shall  be  delivered  at  the  said  carts :  for  each 
neglect  the  contractors  shall  forfeit  10  dollars, 

Whenever  any  ashes,  cinders,  dross,  shells,  or  rub- 
bish, of  any  kind  shall  be  cast  into  any  street,  be- 
tween the  15th  December  and  the  15th  March  here- 
after, it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  contractor  to  cause 
the  same  to  be  removed  from  the  street  within  2  hours 
after  notice,  in  writing,  specifying  the  article  or  thing, 
and  the  place  where  the  same  may  be,  shall  have  been 
left  at  the  dwelling-house  of  such  contractor,  under 
the  penalty  of  25  dollars  for  every  offence. 

Sec.  13.  No  peifon  shall  lay  in  any  street,  lane,  or 
alley,  nor  deliver  to  either  of  the  carts  employed  by 
the  contractors,  any  dross,  ashes  cinders,  or  rubbish  of 
any  kind  from  any  foundery,  forge,  or  blacksmith's 
shop  ;  nor  any  oysters,  clams,  or  shells  of  any  kind  from 
any  oyster-stand,  or  oyster-cellar,  or  oyster-house, 
under  the  penalty  of  10  dollars  for  each  offence  ;  it 
being  declared  to  be  the  duty  of  the  proprietor  or  pos- 
sessor of  such  foundery,  &c.  to  employ  carts  to  remove 
snch  articles  at  his  or  her  own  expense.  But  if  either 
of  the  said  articles  be  cast  into  the  street,  it  shall  be 
the  duty  of  the  contractors  to  remove  the  same,  under 
the  penalty  of  10  dollars.  And  after  such  removal, 
he  may  recover  from  the  person  placing  the  same  in 
the  street,  double  .the  usual  sum  for  removing  the 
same. 

Every  cart  employed  by  the  contractors,  shall  have 
a  tight  box,  the  sides  and  forepart  of  which  shall  be 
two  feet,  and  the  tail-board  not  less  than  16  inches 
high,  and  shall  have  the  words  "  Dirt  Cart,"  and  the 
letter  "  E,"  or  "  W,"  designating  the  district  to 
which  it  belongs,  and  its  number  painted  distinctly  in 
black  letters  on  a  white  tin  plate,  fastened  on  the  out- 
side of  the  side-board,  under  the  penalty  of  10  dollars 
for  every  offence. 

No  person,  except  such  as  are  employed  b)  the 
contractors,  shall  take  up,  carry  away,  or  remove  any 
of  the  dirt  or  filth  from  any  of  the  streets,  heads  of 
slips,  or  public  grounds  in  the  city,  under  the  penalty 


254 


APPENDIX. 


of  25  dollar?,  for  each  offence ;  and  if  any  licenced 
cartman  shall  be  found  guilty  thereof,  he  shall  forfeit 
his  license  in  addition  to  said  penalty  ;  and  the  driver 
and  owner  of  ihe  horse  and  cart  shall  be  severally  lia- 
ble for  such  penalty  :  but  no  person  removing  building 
rubbish,  at  the  request  of  the  owner  or  builder,  shall 
be  liable. 

It  shall  not  be  lawful  for  any  cartman,  or  other  per- 
son to  deposit  manure  at  an\  place  to  the  southward  of  j 
a  line  beginning  on  the  Hudson  River  in  a  line  with 
Hammond-street,  thence  through  Hammond-street  to- 
Greenwich- lane,  thence  through  Greenwich-lane  and 
Art-street  to  the  Bowery,  thence  through  the  Bow- 
ery to  North-street,  thence  through  North-street  to 
the  East  River,  under  the  penalty  of  25  dollars  for 
each  offence;  and  the  further  penalty  of  1  dollar  for 
every  24  hours  in  whirh  the  same  shall  remain,  except 
for  the  purpose  of  cultivating  the  ground  on  which  it 
shall  be  laid.  No  manure,  filth  or  sweepings,  collected 
in  heaps,  to  the  northward  of  the  line  before  mention- 
ed, shall,  at  any  future  period,  between  the  1st  May 
and  the  1st  December,  be  carted  to  any  wharf  to  the 
southward  of  the  line  above  mentioned,  other  than  such 
wharf  on  the  East  River  as  is  situated  northwardly  of 
the  southerly  side  of  Rivington-street,  unless  by  the 
direction  of  the  contractors,  under  the  penalty  of  25 
dollars  for  each  offence. 

The  owner  or  builder  of  any  house  or  other  building 
which  may  be  erecting  or  repairing,  shall  cause  all  the 
rubbish  occasioned  thereby  which  may  be  cast  into  the 
street,  and  all  the  ground,  stone,  sand,  and  clay  which 
may  be  dug  from  the  cellar  and  yard,  and  cast  into  the  \ 
street,  to  be  removed  before  sun-set  on  each  day, 
under  the  penalty  on  such  owner  and  builder  severally, 
of  10  dollars ;  and  the  additional  penalty  of  5  dollars  j 
for  every  day  during  which  such  rubbish,  ground,  stone, 
sand,  or  clay  shall  remain  in  the  said  street.  But  if  any 
such  rubbish,  &c.  shall  be  cast  in  the  street  and  not 
removed  on  the  same  day,  it  ^shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
contractor  to  remove  the  same  on  the  next  sweeping, 


APPENDIX. 


251 


the  person  offending  to  pay  the  Contractor  double  the 
usual  sum  for  removing  the  same. 

The  Contractors  are  authorized  and  required  to 
employ  as  many  persons  as  may  be  necessary  to  sweep 
and  clean  the  streets  and  gutters  in  front  of  such  houses 
;  and  lots  as  are  uninhabited,  or  where  owners  or  occu- 
I,  pants  may  have  temporarily  retired  from  the  city;  and 
it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  Contractors  to  collect  the  pro- 
portionate share  of  the  expense  thereof  from  the  owner 
i  or  occupant  of  every  such  house  and  lot,  and  in  default 
'1  of  payment,  to  prosecute  for  the  same. 

Bills  of  Mortality.— Sextons  to  deliver  weekly  to 
||  the  City  Inspector  a  list,  according  to  a  specific  form,  of 
||  all  persons  buried  :  penalty  25  dollars.  Inspector  to 
i  publish  these  every  Tuesday  in  the  newspapers. 

Streets,— -Commissioner  and  assistant  to  superintend 
I  the  forming,  enlarging,  improving  and  paving  ail  streets, 
||  roads,  wharves  and  common  sewers,  and  to  prosecute 
i  offenders. 

All  new  paved  streets,  to  have  foot-paths  of  the  fol- 
I  lowing  widths :  streets  40  feet  wide,  10  feet ;  50  feet 
■  wide,  12ifeet;  60  feet  wide,  14  feet;  70  feet  wide, 
I  16  feet;  80  feet  wide,  17  feet;  above  80  and  not  ex- 
I  ceeding  90  feet  wide,  18  feet;  90  and  not  exceeding 
100  feet  wide,  19  feet ;  above  100  feet  wide,  20  feet. 

Private  cart-ways  crossing  the  side-walks,  and  all 
side-walks,  to  be  paved,  at  the  expense  of  those  bene- 
fited thereby,  "  with  brown,  or  grey,  square  or  oblong 
flat  stones,  hewn  and  laid  close  together,  or  with  hard 
brick;"  penalty  10  dollars.  The  carriage-way  to  be 
paved  with  sufficient  paving-stones,  and  arched,  and  a 
gutter  or  kennel  to  be  formed  on  each  side  ;  penalty 
250  dollars. 

Curb-stones  to  be  2  feet  6  inches  long,  4  inches  thick, 
and  14  wide,  and  properly  squared ;  6  inches  to  be  laid 
below  the  kennel  and  8  above  ;  penalty  10  dollar?. 

Side-walks  not  to  be  extended  beyond  a  neighbour- 
ing lot  without  permission,  except  when  the  street  is  to 
be  re-paved;  penalty  10  dollars. 

Streets  to  be  kept  in  repair  by  owners  or  occupiers 
of  houses  or  lots  ;  penalty  50  dollars.  Pavers  to  be 
employed  by  the  Commissioner. 


252 


APPENDIX. 


Pits,  Faults,  or  Wells,  while  uncovered,  to  have  a 
light  placed  near  them  during  the  night;  penalty  10 
dollars.  To  be  completed  and  covered  in  within  three 
weeks  ;  penalty  5  dollars. 

Railings. —To  be  placed  round  all  ground  dug  for  roads 
or  streets,  and  where  paving  i8  going  on.  A  passage  to 
be  left  for  foot  passengers,  and  notice  of  the  intended 
obstruction  put  up  at  three  conspicuous  places  of  the 
street,  three  days  before.  One  block  and  one  intersec- 
tion only  to  be  obstructed  at  one  time ;  penalty  15  dol- 
lars. 

Cellar  lights,  porticoes,  &c.  not  to  extend  beyond  a 
moderate  length  ;  penalty  250  dollars. 

Posts. — The  placing  of  posts  in  the  streets,  except  at 
the  corner  or  intersection  of  streets,  prohibited  ;  penalty 
5  dollars. 

Obstructions. — Step  stones  for  entering  carriages, 
signs,  sign  posts,  or  other  posts,  a  and  any  other  thing  [ 
which  may  incumber  or  obstruct  the  street ;  and  any 
cellar  light,  bow  window,  or  other  window,  shed,  porch> 
portico,  cellar  door,  platform,  stoop  or  step,  which  now 
is,  or  may  hereafter  at  any  time  be  erected  or  placed  ! 
in  any  street,  contrary  to  this  ordinance,  to  be  taken  \ 
down,  altered,  or  removed  from  the  street,"  as  to  the  , 
Commissioner  shall  seem  meet ;  penalty  of  obstruction  I 
25  dcllars.     Incumbering  streets,   wharfs  or  piers,  II 
6i  with  any  thing  whatsoever,"  without  permission  ;  pe-  II, 
nalty  5  dollars. 

Trees. — Not  to  be  planted  on  the  streets  to  the  south  L 
and  west  of  Grand-street  less  than  40  feet  wide  ;  and 
on  the  foot-path  only  :  penalty  5  dollars.     Cutting  L 
down,  destroying,  or  injuring  any  tree  standing  in  any  ^ 
public  street,  prohibited:  penalty  5  dollars. 

Carts  and  Carriages. — Not  to  be  driven  or  backed  on 
the  foot-paths  ;  penalty  5  dollars. 

Goods  and  Murchandizt. — Not  to  be  placed  at  a  .  M 
greater  distance  than  12  inches  from  stores  or  houses,  ^ 
so  as  to  remain  longer  than  one  hour ;  and  not  to  load, 
drive,  or  ride  any  horse,  or  drag  or  wheel  any  barrow*  L 
or  saw  any  wood,  or  lay  any  wood  or  coal,  or  other  J  , 
I  timber,  on  th"  foot-path  :  penalty  5  dollar*.  J  . 


APPENDIX. 


253 


Cross  Walks. — Not  to  be  obstructed  by  horses,  carts, 
or  carriages ;  penalty  5  dollars. 

Earth— No  turf,  sand,  clay,  or  earth,  to  be  removed 
from  the  streets;  penalty  25  dollars. 

Buildings.— Before  erected,  the  ground  to  be  pre- 
j  viously  viewed  and  iaid  out  by  the  surveyors  :  penalty 
50  dollars. 

Fire-wood. — Cord-wood  to  measure  4  feet,  including 
half  the  scarf:  penalty  1  dollar  each  load.  Not  to  be 
loaded  on  the  docks  or  wharves  until  sold  ;  penalty  $  5. 

The  rungs  of  each  cart  to  measure  3  feet  8  inches 
i  high  from  the  floor  of  the  cart ;  the  breadth  between  the 
I  two  foremost  rungs  2  feet  5  inches,  and  between  the  two 
f  hindmost,  2  feet  9  inches.  The  wood  to  be  closely 
stowed  to  the  top  of  the  rungs  :  penalty  5  dollar*. 

Crooked  wood  to  be  sold  as  refuse.  Short  wood  to 
J  be  stowed  on  the  cart  in  sufficient  quantity  to  make  a 
(quarter  of  a  cord,  in  the  judgment  of  the  inspectors  of 
J  fire -wood;  penalty  1  dollar. 

Inspectors  to  inspect  the  loading  of  all  fire-wood  for 
I  sale,  and  to  receive,  from  the  seller,  three  cents  for  each 
|  load  inspected. 

Cartmen  and  sawyers  prohibited  from  purchasing 
hvood,  except  for  their  own  use,  or  by  order;  penalty 
I  15  dollars. 

Wood  for  sale  deposited  in  yards  to  be  inspected, 
(j  and  sold  under  the  same  regulations. 

May  be  purchased  in  the  10th  Ward  by  the  cord  or 
j!  measurement ;  subject  to  the  inspectors. 

Retailers  of  liquors. — Every  person  licensed  to  keep 
|,{  a  tavern,  ordinary,  or  victualling  house,  to  sell  wine. 

brandy,  rum,  strong  waters,  cider,  beer,  ale,  or  any  ex- 
Icisable  or  strong  liquors,"  must,  within  10  days  after 
opening  store,  &c.  place  a  sign  or  board  on  front  of 
Ijtheir  house  or  store,  containing  their  name  at  full  length, 
|and  denoting  that  they  are  licensed  to  retail  liquors  to 
|  be  drank  in  their  house  ;  penalty  for  neglect  $  1  a-week. 

Swine. — Not  to  go  at  large  without  having  a  ring  in 
Itheirnose  ;  penalty  3  dollars. 

I    Tin  plate  and  Earthen  Ware. — Not  to  be  sold  in  the 
■public  streets  or  slips;  penalty  10  dollars.    Mnv  be 
Y 


#54  APPENDIX. 

sold  on  board  a  vessel,  or  in  front  of  a  shop  or  manu- 
factory. 

Awnings. — May  be  placed  in  front  of  any  house,  or 
store,  from  1st  April  to  1st  November.  Not  be  less 
than  7  feet  in  height  above  the  side  walk,  and  the  posts 
must  be  placed  close  to  the  curb-stone ;  penalty  10 
dollars. 

Lime. — To  be  sold  by  the  load,  and  conveyed  through 
the  streets  on  a  cart,  with  a  tight  box,  to  contain  1G 
bushels,  and  sufficiently  covered  over ;  penalty  3  dol- 
lars each  load. 

ITo  lime  to  be  sifted  or  screened  in  the  open  streets  ; 
penalty  5  dollars. 

No  vessel  with  lime  to  lay  in  the  slips  or  wharfs,  ex- 
cept when  discharging  cargo. 

No  lime-house  permitted  in  the  streets  longer  than  3 
months,  nor  between  1st  November  and  1st  April; penal- 
ty 25  dollars  each  day. 

Inspectors  not  to  purchase  lime,  except  for  their  own 
use  ;  penalty  25  dollars. 

Sales  by  auction. — No  goods  to  be  sold  on  the  streets 
except  between  9  o'clock  A.  M.  and  2  P.  M.;  penalty 
10  dollars. 

Goods  not  to  be  sold  in  the  streets  without  the  per- 
mission of  the  occupant  of  the  house,  store,  or  lot,  be-  \ 
fore  which  the  goods  are  laid  ;  not  to  be  placed  on  the 
side  walk,  nor  occupy  more  than  a  third  part  in  width 
of  the  cart  way,  or  lane  ;  penalty  10  dollars.  j  , 

Salted  be^f  or  pork,  dried  or  pickled  fish,  blubber,     j  ; 
hides,  or  cotton  wool,  not  to  be  exposed  fop  sale  be- 
tween 1st  June  and  1st  November;  penalty  50  dollars.  ( 

Household  furniture  to  be  sold  only  at  Peck-slip,  be-  |  j 
tween  Pearl  and  Water-streets ;  at  Fulton-street,  be- 
tween Water  and  Front-streets ;  at  Burling-slip,  be-  , 
tween  Pearl  and  Front-streets  ;  at  Old-slip,  between  j 
Water  and  Front-streets;  in  Broad-street,  between  { 
Front  and  South-streets;  and  in  Vesey  street,  between 
Greenwich  and  Washington-streets ;  penalty  10  do!-  . 
lars.  s 

Carriages  and  animals  to  be  exposed  to  sale  in  Elm-  \ 
street,  between  White-street  and  Canal-street ;  penaltv  ^ 
TO  dollars. 


APPENDIX. 


255 


»ery  article  exposed  to  sale  at  auction,  in  the  pub- 
lic streets,  to  be  removed  by  5  o'clock  P.  M.  of  the  day 
oi*  selling  ;  penalty  10  dollars. 

No  bellman,  cryer,  drum,  or  fife,  instrument  of  mu- 
sic, or  any  other  show,  signal,  or  flag:,  to  be  used  at  any 
place  of  sale  by  auction ;  penalty  10  dollars. 

All  dry  goods,  hardware,  wooden  or  tin  ware,  ex- 
posed to  sale  by  auction,  in  the  streets,  except  articles 
of  household  furniture,  to  be  sold  wholesale,  and  not  in 
small  parcels  or  pieces ;  penalty  10  dollars. 

Coal. — -To  be  sold  by  the  bushel,  in  measures  of  the 
same  capacity  as  those  used  at  the  Custom-house  ;  pe- 
n-airy 1  dollar. 

Coal  vessels  not  to  lie  in  front  of  any  of  the  public 
markets  ;  penalty  10  dollars. 

Rivers. — Placing  of  fences  or  stakes,  or  any  other 
thing  to  obstruct  the  navigation  of  the  rivers  or  bays, 
or  the  fisheries,  prohibited  ;  penalty  50  dollars. 

Manure. — To  be  sold  in  cart  or  wagon  loads,  con  1 
taining  14  bushels  heaped  measure.  All  manure,  sand, 
earth,  or  clay,  to  be  carted  in  close  boxes,  with  a  tail 
board  16  inches  high,  and  well  secured ;  penalty  5  dol- 
lars. 

Inspectors  appointed ;  to  receive  3  cents  for  each 
load  of  manure  inspected:  one-third  to  be  paid  by  the 
seller,  and  two-thirds  by  the  buyer. 

Hay.— To  be  sold  by  weight,  allowing  112  lbs.  to 
the  hundred  weight ;  penalty  10  dollars.  Carters  cart- 
ing without  weighing,  5  dollars  penalty  every  load. 

Engines  erected  for  weighing  hay  ;  the  weigh-master 
to  receive  25  cents  for  every  cart  or  wagon-load,  one- 
half  to  be  paid  by  the  seller  and  the  other  by  the  buyer. 

Hay-cartmea  licensed,  and  sworn  to  be  careful  in  in- 
specting the  hay  ;  -penalty  5  dollars  :  to  have  the  num- 
ber of  his  cart  painted  on  a  tin  plate  and  fixed  to  the 
shaft ;  penalty  20  dollars. 

Boats  bringing  hay  to  the  city  have  the  privilege,  in 
preference  to  all  other  vessels,  of  occupying  a  large 
space  at  Whitehall-slip  ;  at  Gouverneur's-slip,  and  one 
birth  in  Duane-street  basin.  Penalty  for  preventing 
their  approach  10  dollars. 


APPEICDIX. 


No  fire  or  lighted  candle  allowed  on  board,  while  at 
the  docks  wilh  hay,  or  within  50  yards  thereof;  penalty 
25  dollars. 

Dogs.— Noi  suffered  to  go  at  large  ;  penalty  10  dol- 
lars. Owner  to  register  every  dog,  and  to  pay  a  tax 
for  each  of  3  dollars  per  annum ;  penalty  5  dollars. 

May  be  seized  and  killed,  if  at  large,  and  the  car- 
case buried,  for  which  50  cents  is  paid  out  of  the  trea- 
sury; penalty  100  dollars  for  preventing  the  execution 
of  this  ordinance. 

Vaults  and  Cisterns.— Not  to  be  made  in  the  streets 
without  permission  of  the  Common  Council ;  penalty 
100  dollars. 

Fifteen  cents  for  every  square  foot  of  ground  to  be 
paid  for  permission  ;  penalty  200  dollars. 

The  outward  side  of  the  grating  or  opening  of  every 
vault  to  be  within  12  inches  of  the  curb-stone  ;  penalty 
100  dollars. 

Guns. — No  discharge  of  fire-arms  permitted  within 
5  miles  of  the  City-Hall,  or  within  100  yards  of  any 
road  or  highway  in  the  county  ;  penalty  25  dollars. 
Military  duties  excepted. 

Park,  Battery  and  Bowling-Green.— Playing  at 
ball,  quoits,  foot  races,  or  other  sport,  prohibited  on 
these  grounds  ;  penalty  5  dollars. 

Squibs  and  Crackers. — To  sell,  or  expose  these  for 
sale,  except  in  packages  of  1000,  subjects  to  a  penalty 
of  25  dollars. 

Snow  and  Ice.—U  Within  the  first  4  hours  between 
sunrise  and  sunset,  after  every  fall  of  snow,  or  hail,  or 
rain,  which  shall  freeze  on  the  side  walks  and  gutters, " 
the  same  to  be  removed  to  the  breadth  of  one  foot  op- 
posite every  lot,  house,  church,  or  other  building,  and 
the  side  walks  strewed  with  ashes,  sand,  or  other  pro- 
per materials ;  penalty  2  dollars ;  and  12J  cents  for 
every  25  feet  in  length  not  cleaned  or  strewed. 

Gutters  obstructed  wilh  "  ice,  dirt,  or  other  thing," 
to  be  cleared  out  to  the  width  of  one  foot,  within  two 
hours  after  notice  given  by  the  Street-Inspector  ;  pen- 
alty 5  dollars. 

Raising  and  lowenng  of  Merchandize.— Above  the 


Appendix. 


257 


first  floor,  no  cask,  bale,  bundle,  box  or  crate,  to  be 
raised  from  the  street,  or  lowered  by  a  pully,  tackle, 
or  windlass ;  penalty  25  dollars. 

Vegetables. — Potatoes,  turnips  and  other  vegetables 
sold  by  measure,  to  be  sold  by  the  grain  bushel  and 
half  bushel,  and  to  be  heaped  measure  ;  penalty  10 
dollars. 

The  buyer  entitled  to  have  any  quantity,  not  less  than 
half  a  bushel,  measured,  for  which  the  measurer  is  paid 
2  cents  by  the  seller. 

Blowing  Horns. — Blowing  horns,  ringing  bells,  or 
causing  a  noise  to  be  made  upon  any  instrument,  pro- 
hibited ;  penalty  5  dollars. 

Hand  Bills. — Advertisements  or  handbills  u  giving 
notice  of  any  person's  having,  or  professing  to  have, 
skill  in  the  curing  of  any  disease,  or  of  the  sale  of  any 
nostrum  or  medicine,"  are  prohibited  ;  penalty  50  dol- 
lars. 

Pumps.— Wilful  damage  to  any  of  these  a  penalty  of 
15  dollars. 

Partition  Fences. — Made  and  maintained  by  the 
owners  of  land  on  each  side,  at  their  mutual  expense. 

Weights  and  Measures.— Weights,  measures,  or 
scale-beams,  to  be  adjusted,  sealed  and  marked  by  a 
sealer,  conformable  to  the  standard  of  the  state.  Once 
in  every  year  at  least  he  may  inspect  all  weights,  mea- 
sures and  beams ;  penalty  for  using  other  weights,  or 
obstructing  the  sealer,  50  dollars. 

Fish.— The  sale  of  meagre  or  black  shad,  prohibit- 
ed ;  and  trout  not  to  be  brought  into  the  city  between 
the  15th  October  and  15th  March,  or  weighing  less  than 
6  ounces ;  penalty  10  dollars. 

Fines  and  Penalties.— To be  sued  for  and  recovered 
with  costs,  in  the  name  of  "  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and 
Commonalty  of  the  city  of  New- York,"  and  the  one- 
half  of  each  penalty  to  be  paid  by  the  Attorney  of  the 
Corporation,  to  the  person  giving  him  such  information, 
as  shall  enable  him  to  prosecute  the  offender  to  justice, 

The  parent,  guardian,  master,  mistress,  or  owner,  ol* 
any  minor,  apprentice,  slave  or  servant  that  xnav  inctr 
Y  2 


APPENDIX. 


any  of  the  above  penalties,  to  pay  the  same,  and  may 
be  prosecuted  on  refusal. 


No.  VIII. 

.'Issize  of  Bread  and  Inspectors  Regulations. 

Every  baker  or  other  person  who  shall  carry  on  the 
trade  of  a  baker,  either  in  person  or  by  employing 
others,  within  the  city,  shall  cause  all  their  loaf  bread 
to  be  marked  with  the  initial  letters  of  their  christian 
and  surname,  plainly  to  be  seen  on  each  loaf;  and  all 
loaf-bread  which  shall  not  be  so  marked  shall  be  for- 
feited, and  given  to  the  poor  of  the  city;  and  the  per- 
son offending  shall  also  forfeit  10  cents,  for  every  loaf 
so  neglected  to  be  marked  as  aforesaid. 

All  bakers  shall  make,  or  cause  to  be  made,  all 
their  loaf  bread  of  good  and  wholesome  flour  or  meal, 
and  according  to  the  assize  established  by  this  ordi- 
nance, or  any  other  ordinance  hereafter  to  be  passed, 
directing  the  assize  of  loaf- bread  ;  and  all  loaf-bread 
baked  within  the  city  which  shall  be  found  not  to  have 
been  made  of  good  and  wholesome  flour  or  meal,  or  not 
to  be  of  good  quality,  or  wanting  in  weight,  according 
to  the  assize  established  at  the  time,  shall  be  forfeited 
for  the  use  of  the  poor  of  the  city  ;  and  the  baker  shall 
moreover  forfeit  10  cents  for  every  loaf  thereof. 

No  bread  shall  be  forleited  for  the  want  of  weight 
only,  unless  the  same  shall  be  ascertained  within  eight 
hours  after  the  same  is  baked  ;  and  whenever  any  loaf- 
bread  shall  be  inspected  or  weighed  to  ascertain  the 
weight  (hereof,  more  than  8  hours  after  the  same  shall 
have  been  baked,  the  Inspector  shall  make  such  allow- 
ance as  in  his  judgment  shall  be  just,  having  regard  to 
the  time  the  same  shall  have  been  baked  more  than  8 
hours  ;  and  if  the  same  shall  be  found  deficient  in  weight 
after  making  such  allowances,  the  same  shall  be  for- 
feited in  the  same  manner  as  though  it  had  been  in- 
spected or  weighed  within  the  8  hours  after  the  same 


APPENDIX. 


259 


was  baked,  and  then  found  under  the  due  weight,  ac- 
cording to  the  assize  ;  and  whenever  an  allowance  re- 
specting the  weight  of  bread  shall  be  claimed  on  ac- 
count of  its  having  been  baked  8  hours  as  aforesaid, 
the  burden  of  the  proof  respecting  the  time  when  it  was 
baked  shall  be  on  the  baker  or  proprietor  thereof. 

The  Inspector  shall,  when  inspecting  or  weighing 
bread,  make  sucb  allowance  as  in  his  judgment  shall  be 
just  for  any  deficiency  of  weight  only,  in  what  are  called 
split  or  twisted  loaves. 

The  Common  Council  shall,  from  time  to  time,  ap- 
point three  lit  persons  to  be  Inspectors  of  Bread,  and 
assign  a  district  to  each,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  in- 
spect and  examine  all  loaf-bread,  on  the  same  day  on 
which  the  same  shall  be  baked,  and  ascertain  and  de- 
termine whether  the  same  is  marked,  is  made  of  good 
and  wholesome  dour  or  meal,  and  is  of  a  good  quality; 
and  to  determine  whether  the  weight  be  sufficient,  ac- 
cording to  this  ordinance  and  the  established  assize  ; 
for  those  purposes  every  Inspector  shall  have  power  and 
authority,  at  all  suitable  times,  to  enter  any  bake- 
house, shop,  store- house,  or  other  building  or  enclosure? 
where  any  loaf-bread  shall  be  kept,  within  the  district 
so  to  be  assigned  to  him  ;  and  also  to  stop  and  detain  in 
any  street,  whether  the  same  shall  be  within  his  in- 
spection district  or  not,  any  baker  or  other  person  car- 
rying any  loaf-bread  baked  within  the  city  ;  and  there, 
or  in  any  suitable  place,  to  inspect,  examine,  weigh, 
and  determine  respecting  such  loaf- bread,  according  to 
the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  this  ordinance  ;  and  if 
any  uart  thereof  shall  be  forfeited,  and  liable  to  seizure, 
the  Inspector  shall  immediately,  or  within  six  hours 
thereafter,  convey  all  such  bread  to  the  .^Ims-House, 
for  the  use  of  the  poor.  And  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Inspector  to  inspect  and  examine  the  loaf-bread  baked 
within  the  inspection  district  so  to  be  assigned  to  him, 
on  the  same  day  on  which  the  same  shall  be  baked,  so 
far  as  it  shall  be  practicable  for  him  so  to  do. 

Each  of  the  Inspectors  shall  receive  as  a  compensa- 
tion for  his  services,  the  annual  salary  or  sum  of  40.0 
jtoUars,  payable  ifi  equal  quarterly  payments. 


260 


APPENDIX. 


The  said  Inspectors  to  be  appointed  as  aforesaid,! 
shall,  before  entering:  on  the  execution  of  the  duties  of ,{ 
their  office,  respectively  take  an  oath  or  affirmation 
before  the  Mayor  or  Recorder,  well  and  faithfully  to ' 
execute  the  powers  and  trusts  reposed  in  them,  without 
favour  or  partiality. 

The  Chamberlain  shall  cause  to  be  published  every 
Saturday  in  the  newspapers  employed  by  this  Corpo-  .| 
ration,  an  assize  of  bread  for  the  ensuing  week,  in  the 
form  hereinafter  mentioned.    And  every  loaf  of  bread  j 
of  the  price  of  124  cents,  and  every  loaf  of  bread  of  the 
price  of  6i  cents,  shall  be  of  the  weight  mentioned  in , 
such  assize. 

The  weight  of  every  loaf  of  bread  of  the  price  of  6k 
cents,  shall  be  of  half  the  weight  of  a  loaf  of  bread  of 
the  price  of  12^  cents  ;  and  the  weight  of  a  loaf  jof 
bread  of  the  price  of  12  j  cents  shall  be  ascertained  as 
follows  :  \  barrel  of  flour  shall  be  estimated  to  produce 
4032  ounces  of  bread  ;  and  a  profit  of  4  dollars  and  25 
cents  shall  be  allowed  to  the  baker  on  each  barrel  of 
flour,  as  a  compensation  for  making  the  bread.  Then 
the  value  of  a  barrel  of  such  flour  being  added  to  the 
sum  of  4  dollars  and  25  cents,  and  the  sum  being  divid- 
ed by  12J  cents,  and  the  number  4032  being  divided  by 
the  quotient,  the  last  quotient  will  be  the  number  of 
ounces  which  a  loaf  of  the  price  of  12i  cents  must  weigh. 
Thus  supposing  the  value  of  a  barrel  of  flour  to  be  $9  00  i 

Add  4  25 

13  25 

Divide  1325  by  12-J,  and  the  quotient  is  106.  Divide 
1032  by  106,  and  the  quotient  is  38_2_?  being  the  weight 
of  the  loaf.    But  whenever  the  first  quotient  shall  con-  | 
tain  a  fraction  less  than  half  an  ounce,  such  fraction 
shall,  in  fixing  the  assize,  be  omitted ;  and  when  such 
fraction  shall  be  more  than  half  an  ounce,  then,  in  fix- 
ing the  assize,  one  ounce  shall  be  added  in  lieu  of  the  I 
fraction.    And  the  Chamberlain  shall  deliver  to  any  1 
Inspector,  and  to  any  baker  who  may  request  the  same,  I 
a  copy  of  such  assize,  which  assize  shall  be  estimated  I 
on  the  market  price  of  New*  York  flour. 


APPENDIX. 


261 


The  assize  of  all  bread  made  Avholly  of  wheat  flour, 
or  wholly  of  rye  meal,  shall  be  established  by  the 
Chamberlain  alone  ;  and  the  assize  of  all  mixed  bread 
made  of  wheat  flour  and  Indian  meal,  or  of  wheat 
flour  and  rye  meal,  shall  be  made  by  the  Chamberlain 
and  inspectors,  or  a  majority  of  them,  as  they  shall 
judge  equitable  and  proper. 

The  form  of  such  assize  shall  be  as  follows  : 

Y>h  Cents  loaf.       6$  Cents  loaf. 
Superfine  wheat  flour  oz.  oz. 

Do.  mixed  with  Indian  meal        oz.  oz. 

Do.  mixed  with  rye  meal  oz.  oz. 

Rye  flour  oz.  oz. 


No.  IX. 

TVeigh-M asters  and  Measurers, 

RATES  AND  REGULATIONS. 

The  Weigh-masters  appointed  by  the  Common  Coun- 
cil of  the  city  shall  be  entitled  to  demand  and  receive 
the  following  fees,  the  one  half  to  be  paid  by  the  buy- 
er, and  the  other  half  by  the  seller  ,  but  the  employer 
shall  be  liable  for  the  payment  thereof  in  the  first 
instance  : 

For  weighing  hemp,  flax,  and  hides,  3  cents  per  cwt. 

— — —  Brazilletta-wood,         4    do.  do. 

■    Anchors   and  cables 

above  8  cwt.       -       5    do.  do. 
— '  Anchors  and  cables  of 

less  weight,  and  all  other  goods  and 

articles,        -       -       -        -       2    do.  do. 

In  that  proportion  for  a  greater  or  less  quantity  ; 
but  if  the  amount  of  fees  so  received  for  weighing  any 
of  the  foregoing  articles  at  any  one  place  do  not  exceed 
10  dollars,  then  the  said  Weigh-master  shall  be  entitled 
to  receive  1  cent  for  each  cwt.  so  weighed,  in  addition 
to  the  foregoing  rates.  Every  such  Weighniasler  shall 
be  entitled  to  demand  and  receive  from  the  person 
employing  him,  the  amount  of  the  expense  of  remov- 


262 


APFENDIX. 


ing  his  scales  and  weights,  provided  the  fees  which  he 
may  receive  do  not  exceed  1  dollar. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  Weigh-master,  if  re- 
quired, to  make  a  return  of  the  articles  neighed,  and, 
where  it  can  be  done,  to  mark  on  each  the  weight  in 
blacking  or  red  chalk,  in  legible  and  durable  figures. 
If  any  Weigh-master  shall  neglect  to  attend  in  person 
to  the  duties  of  his  office,  (except  in  case  of  sickness 
or  inability  to  attend,)  or  shall  ask,  demand,  or  receive 
any  greater  compensation  for  his  services  than  is  allow- 
ed as  aforesaid,  or  shall  exercise  the  office  of  Weigh- 
master  under  any  other  appointment,  he  shall  forfeit 
50  dollars. 

If  any  person  not  holding  the  appointment  of  Weigh- 
Master  under  the  Common  Council  shall  exercise  the 
office  of  Weigh-master,  to  weigh  any  article  for  any  pri- 
vate person  or  persons,  every  such  person  shall  forfeit 
and  pay  for  every  such  offence  the  sum  of  25  dollars. 

The  Measurers  appointed  by  the  Common  Council 
shall  be  entitled  to  demand  and  receive  the  following 
fees,  to  be  paid  as  aforesaid : 

For  measuring  short  ship  timber,  for  every  ton,  con- 
sisting of  40  cubic  feet,  25  cents  ;  all  raft  timber,  for 
every  ton,  6  ;  every  1,000  feet  superficial  measure,  of 
boards,  plank,  and  scantling,  37£. 

Measuring  salt  or  grain,  1  dollar  every  100  bushels. 

Measuring  lime,  12^  cents  every  load  of  16  bushels. 
Measuring  charcoal,  J  cent  per  bushel ;  and  for  mea- 
suring sea-coal,  25  cents  per  chaldron. 

And  after  the  same  rate  for  a  greater  or  less  quantity. 

If  any  person  not  holding  the  appointment  of  Mea- 
sure under  the  Common  Council  shall  exercise  the 
office  of  a  Measurer,  to  measure  any  articles  except 
lumber  or  wood,  of  any  description,  for  himself  or  for 
any  other  person,  for  any  purpose  whatever,  except  for 
the  immediate  and  sole  use  of  such  person  so  measuring, 
and  not  for  the  purpose  of  sale  thereafter,  such  person 
shall  forfeit  10  dollars  ;  or  in  case  of  measuring  lumber 
or  wood  of  any  description,  such  unauthorized  persos 
shall  forfeit  5U  dcllare. 


APPENDIX . 


£53 


No.  X. 
Publie  Market  Regulations. 
fcvery  day  in  the  week,  except  Sunday,  is  appointed 
a  public  market-day  within  the  said  city ;  and  the  pub- 
lic markets  shall  be  held  at  such  place  or  places  as  the 
Common  Council  of  the  said  city  shall,  from  time  to 
time,  direct  and  appoint.  Such  part  thereof  not  ap- 
propriated to  butchers,  fishermen,  sellers  of  vegetables, 
or  others,  may  be  occupied  by  all  persons  resorting  to 
the  public  Markets  to  sell  provisions. 

Suitable  persons  shall  be  appointed  Deputy  Clerks 
of  the  public  Markets,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  collect 
the  market-fees. 

The  Deputy  Clerks  shall,  before  entering  upon  the 
duties  of  their  offices,  execute  a  bond,  with  one  surety, 
in  the  sum  of  1000  dollars,  for  the  faithful  performance 
of  their  duties  ;  and  also  take  and  subscribe  an  oath  or 
affirmation,  well  and  faithfully  to  execute  the  office  of 
Deputy  Clerks,  and  make  a  true  and  faithful  account 
of  all  monies  received  by  them  in  that  capacity,  once 
in  every  month  to  the  Comptroller,  and  pay  the  same 
to  the  Treasurer. 

No  person,  other  than  a  licensed  butcher,  shall  cut 
up  in  any  of  the  public  Markets,  or  in  any  street  in  this 
city,  any  beef,  pork,  veal,  mutton,  or  lamb,  or  expose 
the  same  to  sale  by  the  joint,  or  in  pieces,  under  the 
penalty  of  12  dollars  and  50  cents  for  each  offence. 

No  licensed  butcher,  nor  his  agent,  or  servant,  shall 
cut,  or  expose  for  sale  in  any  part  of  the  public  Mar- 
kets, other  than  at  his  own  licensed  stall  or  stand,  any 
|  beef,  pork,  veal,  mutton,  or  lamb,  under  the  penalty  of 
I  5  dollars  for  the  first  offence  ;  and,  if  repeated,  he  shall 
forfeit  his  license. 

No  butcher,  nor  his  agent,  or  servant,  shall  sell,  or 
expose  to  sale  any  kind  qf  meat  in  any  of  the  public 
J  Markets  after  the  hour  of  1  in  the  afternoon,  between 
Ithe  1st  day  of  May  and  the  1st  day  of  November  ;  and 
I  after  the  hour  of  2  in  the  afternoon,  between  the  last 
[  day  of  October  and  the  4st  day  of  May,  except  ©n 


I 


264 


APPENDIX. 


Saturday,  under  the  penalty  of  3  dollars  for  each  of- 
fence. 

Each  and  every  Butcher  shall  have  and  use  his  own 
scales  and  weights  ;  which  scales  shall  be  displayed  in 
some  conspicuous  place  in  front  of  or  at  the  side  of  his 
stall,  under  the  penalty  of  5  dollars  for  each  and  every 
offence  :  Any  two  Butchers  having  stalls  adjoining  to 
each  other,  may  have  one  set  of  scales  and  weights 
in  common  between  them  :  such  scales  being  suspend- 
ed in  a  conspicuous  place  between  their  stalls  ;  each  of 
the  said  Butchers  being  responsible  for  the  justness 
of  said  scales  and  weights. 

It  shall  not  be  lawful  for  any  person  or  persons,  until 
after  the  hour  of  twelve  at  noon,  to  purchase  in  any  of 
the  public  Markets,  any  provisions,  or  articles  of  any 
kind  usually  sold  in  the  public  Markets,  with  intent  to 
sell  the  same  again  at  any  place  in  this  city,  under  the 
penalty  of  10  dollars  for  each  offence. 

It  shall  not  be  lawful  for  any  person  commonly  call- 
ed a  Huckster,  to  sell  or  expose  for  safe,  in  any  of  the 
public  Markets,  or  in  any  street  or  place  within  this 
city,  any  provisions  or  articles  of  any  kind  usually  sold 
in  the  public  Markets,  (other  than  vegetables  and 
fruit,)  under  the  penalty  of  5  dollars  for  each  offence. 

No  person  shall  sell  or  offer  for  sale  in  any  of  the 
public  Markets,  or  in  any  part  of  this  city,  any  un- 
wholesome or  stale  articles  of  provision,  or  any  blown, 
plated,  raised,  or  stuffed  meat,  or  measly  pork,  under 
the  penalty  of  10  dollars  for  each  offence. 

No  Butcher  or  other  person  shall,  between  the  first 
day  of  May  and  the  first  day  of  November,  bring  into 
or  place  in  any  of  the  public  Markets,  any  untried  fat, 
commonly  called  gut-fat ;  nor  at  any  time  or  season 
the  head  of  any  sheep  or  lamb,  unless  the  same  shall  be 
skinned  and  properly  cleaned  ;  nor  any  sheep  or  lamb 
in  carcase  or  quarter,  with  the  foot  or  trotter  thereto, 
nor  any  hides  or  skins,  (calves  skins  excepted,)  under 
the  penalty  of  10  dollars  for  each  offence. 

All  butter  brought  to  any  of  the  public  Markets  for 
nl^,  shall  be  sold  by  weight ;  and  if  in  rolls,  such  rolls 
shall  contain  one  or  more  pounds  weight,  without  any 


APPENDIX.  2Bp 

fraction  of  a  pound:  no  person  shall  sell  any  butter  in 
any  vessel  other  than  such  as  hath  the  weight  marked 
thereon  before  it  is  brought  into  Market,  nor  sell  or 
weigh  out  therefrom  any  butter  into  smaller  quantities, 
in  any  of  the  said  public  Markets,  under  the  penalty 
of  5  dollars  for  each  offence. 

The  following  fees,  shall  be  paid  by  the  licensed 
Butchers  who  have  no  leases  from  the  Corporation,  and 
country  people  with  the  produce  of  their  own  farms, 
for  their  respective  stalls,  standings,  places,  boards, 
shelter,  and  other  things  necessary  for  their  standing  in 
such  public  Markets  respectively  : 

cents. 

For  every  quarter  of  beef,  ...  6 

For  every  hog,  shoat,  or  pig,  above  fourteen 
pounds  weight,  6 
For  each  calf,  sheep,  or  lamb,        ...  4 
Every  other  person  to  pay  for  every  quarter  of  beef  18 
For  every  hog,  shoat,  or  pig,  above  14  lbs.     .  13 
For  every  calf,  sheep,  or  lamb,       .       .  .12 
No  person  shall  sell  or  expose  for  sale  any  fresh  meat 
in  quarters,  joints,  or  in  piece?,  in  any  street  or  place 
in  this  city,  other  than  in  the  public  Markets,  or  the 
streets  adjoining  or  contiguous  thereto,  used  for  such 
purposes,  under  the  penalty  of  10  dollars  for  each  offence  ; 
pork  in  joints  or  pieces  may  be  sold  any  time  from  the 
15th  of  October  until  the  15lh  of  February  following. 

No  poultry,  eggs,  or  butter,  shall  be  exposed  for  sale, 
or  sold  in  the  public  Markets,  or  streets,  or  cellars 
contiguous  thereto,  except  by  the  person  from  whose 
farm  such  poultry,  eggs,  or  butter  shall  have  come,  or 
by  some  person  who  shall  have  been  in  the  country, 
and  there  have  purchased  the  same  from  the  farmer, 
under  the  penalty  of  10  dollars  for  each  offence.  If  any 
person  be  prosecuted  for  any  offence  against  this  section* 
it  shall  be  incumbent  on  them  to  prove,  upon  the  trial 
of  the  cause,  that  such  poultry,  eggs,  or  butter,  came 
from  their  farm,  or  that  they  had  been  in  the  coun- 
try, and  there  had  purchased  the  same  from  the  owner. 
No  person  shall  have  or  keep  any  poultrv,  fisji,  ve- 

z        v  ■ 


266 


getables,  or  other  articles  usually  sold  in  public  Mar- 
kets in  any  covered  box  or  chest  during  market  hours, 
in  either  of  the  public  Markets,  or  any  street  contigu- 
ous thereto,  under  the  penally  of  10  dollars. 

No  person  shall  be  allowed  to  sell  fresh  fish  in  any  of 
the  Markets,  or  streets  contiguous  thereto,  other  than 
Fishermen,  and  persons  who  shall  purchase  the  fish  at 
the  fishing  place  from  the  Fishermen,  under  the  penalty 
of  10  dollars. 

In  order  that  a  free  and  uninterrupted  passage  may 
be  left  for  the  citizens  through  the  middle  of  the  public 
Markets,  and  the  streets  adjacent  thereto,  no  person 
shall  erect,  fix,  or  put  up  any  stall,  table,  or  bench,  in 
any  part  thereof;  nor  put  down  any  cask,  chest,  bag, 
basket,  or  any  other  article  in  the  said  Markets,  more 
than  six  feet  from  the  outside  of  the  floor  thereof,  under 
the  penalty  of  5  dollars.  No  person  shall  occupy  any 
part  of  the  street  at  or  near  any  of  the  public  Markets 
for  the  purpose  of  exposing  for  sale  any  garden  pro- 
duce, or  other  thing,  other  than  such  part  as  shall  be 
assigned  for  that  purpose,  under  the  penalty  of  5  dollars. 
Garden  produce,  or  other  thing  to  be  sold,  shall  be  un- 
loaded immediately  on  its  arrival,  and  the  cart  or  other 
vehicle  removed  to  some  other  place,  under  the  penal- 
ty of  5  dollars.  If  any  person  neglect  or  refuse  to 
obey  the  direction  of  the  Deputy  Clerk,  respecting 
the  arrangement  or  removal,  of  any  article,  cart,  wag- 
gon, or  other  thing  in  the  Markets,  or  streets  adjoining 
thereto,  he  shall  forfeit  5  dollars. 

Market  carts  must  have  the  owner's  name  painted 
on  them,  under  a  penalty  of  5  dollars.  And  carts  used 
by  the  licensed  Cartmen  of  this  city,  and  waggons,  carts, 
or  other  vehicles  owned  by  countrymen,  and  bringing 
such  countrymen's  produce  to  the  said  Markets,  ex- 
empted from  this  article. 

No  other  person  than  licensed  Butchers,  shall  occu- 
py any  part  of  the  Markets,  or  of  the  streets  at  or  near 
any  of  them,  without  a  permit  in  writing,  from  the 
Market  Committee,  and  having  the  same  registered 
with  the  Deputy  Clerk  of  such  Market,  under  the  pen- 
alty of  10  dollars.  Nothing  in  this  section  shall  be  po 
cvnitrued  as  to  require  country  people,  resorting  to  . 


APPENDIX. 


267 


the  public  Markets  to  sell  their  own  provisions,  to  hare 
such  permit. 

It  shall  be  lawful  for  the  Deputy  Clerk  of  any  Mar- 
jket,  if  he  shall  deem  it  proper,  to  require  any  person 
representing  himself  or  herself  to  be  a  countryman  or 
country  woman,  within  the  meaning  of  the  last  section, 
to  obtain  such  permit  as  is  mentioned  in  the  said  sec- 
tion ;  and  if  any  such  person  fhall  thereafter  occupy 
any  pert  of  the  said  Markets,  or  the  streets  at  or  near 
the  same,  without  obtaining  such  permit,  and  register- 
ing the  same,  they  shall  forfeit  the  sum  of  10  dollars. 

It  shall  be  lawful  for  the  Deputy  Clerk  of  each  Mar- 
ket, to  annul  such  permits  as  are  abovementioned ; 
and  no  person  shall  occupy  any  part  of  the  Market, 
or  of  the  streets  at  or  near  it,  at  any  time  thereafter, 
and  after  notice  from  the  Deputy  Clerk  that  his  or  her 
permit  has  been  annulled,  under  the  penalty  of  10 
dollars. 

The  Deputy  Clerks  shall  keep  a  list  of  all  persons 
holding  permits,  for  their  respective  Markets ;  and 
shall  interchange  such  lists  with  each  other,  from  time 
to  time,  at  least  Mice  in  eyery  three  months. 

No  person  shall  exercise  the  trade  of  a  Butcher  in 
this  city,  unless  he  is  licensed  for  that  purpose,  under 
the  penalty  of  12  dollars  and  50  cents,  for  every  of- 
fence. 

It  shall  be  in  the  power  of  the  Deputy  Clerk  of  each 
Market  to  suspend  any  Butcher  having  a  stated  stand 
therein :  but,  in  such  case,  the  Deputy  Clerk  shall  forth- 
with make  report  of  such  suspension,  and  the  reason 
thereof,  to  the  Market  Committee,  who  shall  examine 
into  the  matter,  and  either  restore  the  Butcher  to  his 
place,  or  remove  him  therefrom,  as  to  them  shall  seem 
meet. 

If  any  person,  (other  than  a  licensed  Butcher,)  shall 
be  convicted  of  any  offence  against  this  ordinance,  such 
offender  shall  thereafter  be  prohibited  from  frequenting 
the  Markets,  or  any  of  the  streets  at  or  near  the  Mar- 
kets, for  the  purpose  of  selling  any  article  whatever, 
under  the  penalty  of  10  dollars  for  every  day,  or  part 
of  a  day,  he  or  she  shall  be  there  for  the  purpose  afore- 


263 


ATPENDTX. 


5aid,  unless  such  person  shall,  after  such  conviction^ 
ohtain  a  new  permit. 

If  any  person  shall  use,  in  any  pnlrtic  Markets  of  this 
tity,  any  weights,  measures,  or  beams,  not  sealed  by 
the  sealer  of  weights,  measures,  or  beams,  such  person 
^hall  forfeit  the  sum  of  10  dollars  for  each  offence. 

All  potatoes  and  turnips  shall  be  sold  by  measure; 
and,  in  case  suspicion  is  entertained  respecting  the 
weight  of  any  article  sold  by  weight,  or  of  the  quantity 
of  any  article  sold  by  measure,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  Deputy  Clerk,  immediately  to  weigh  or  measure 
the  same  ;  and  if  any  such  article  shall  be  found  defi- 
cient, the  seller,  or  person  offering  to  sell,  shall  forfeit 
the  sum  of  10  dollars. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Deputy  Clerk?,  ence  in 
every  month,  or  oftener  if  they  shall  think  fit,  to  inspect 
and  examine  all  weights,  measures,  and  beams  used  in 
weighing  or  measuring  in  their  respective  Markets,  or 
in  the  streets  at  or  near  the  same,  to  suspend  from  the 
privilege  of  selling,  and  to  report  to  the  Attorney  of  the 
Board  for  prosecution,  any  person  found  using  therein 
any  false  or  unjust  weight,  measure,  or  beam  :  person* 
refusing  to  exhibit  their  beams,  Sec.  or  obstructing  the 
clerks,  to  forfeit  25  dollars. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Deputy  Clerks  to  attend 
constantly  in  their  respective  Markets  during  market 
hours,  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  the  provisions  of  this 
ordinance  into  effect,  and  inspecting  the  weights,  mea- 
sures, and  beams  used  in  the  said  Markets ;  and  in 
case  any  Deputy  Clerk  shall  neglect  to  give  his  con- 
stant attendance  as  aforesaid,  or  to  perform  the  duties 
required  by  this  law,  he  shall  be  removed  from  his  of- 
fice. 

No.  XI. 

Money  Tables.    Weights  and  Measures. 

COINS  '  I*  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

Gold  coins.   Eagle,  value  &  10,  wt.  270  e;rs.  stand,  gold. 
Half  Eagle,  *  5,       135^  do. 
Quarter,  2},       67£  do. 

Standard  Gold  is  eleven  parts  pure  and  one  alloy, 


APPENDIX. 


569 


Silver  coins.  Dollar,  value  10  dimes,  wt.  416  grs.  st.  sil. 

Half  Dollar,    5  208  do. 

Quarter,        2J  104  do. 

Dime,  10  cents  41  3-5ths  do. 

Half  Dime,     5  do.  20  4-5ths  do. 

Standard  Silver  is  1485  parts  pure,  and  179  alloy. 
A  pound  of  pure  gold  is  valued  at  15  pounds  of  pure 
silver. 

Silver  coins  are  received  at  the  Banks  as  follows 
For  1  Crown       ....       110  cents. 
I  Dollar       .       ...       .       100  do. 
1  Pestareen  .       .       .       .        20  do. 

Coins  of  ike  U.  S-  decimally  divided. 
10  Mills  1  Csnfc 

10  Cents  ....  1  Dime. 
10  Dimes  ...  .1  Dollar. 
10  Dollars  1  Eagle. 

Rules  for  reducing  the  currencies  of  (he  different  scales 
into  each  other. 
To  reduce  the  currencies  of  New-Hampshire,  Mas- 
sachusetts, Rhode  Island,  Connecticut,  and  Virginia, 
into  those  of  New-York  and  North  Carolina,  to  the 
given  sum  add  l-3d  part  thereof.  Of  Pennsylvania, 
New-Jersey,  Delaware,  and  Maryland,  to  the  given  sum 
add  l-4th  thereof.  Of  South  Garolina,  and  Georgia, 
from  the  given  sum  subtract  2-9ths  thereof. 

To  reduce  New-York  and  North  Carolina,  into  New- 
Hampshire,  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  Connecticut, 
and  Virginia,  from  the  given  sum  deduct  l-4th  thereof. 
Into  Pennsylvania,  New-Jersey,  Delaware,  and  Mary- 
land, from  the  given  sum  deduct  l-6th  thereof.  Into 
South  Carolina,  to  the  sum  given  add  l-16th,  then  take 
half  of  the  whole. 

To  reduce  Pennsylvania,  New-Jersey,  Delaware  and 
Maryland,  into  New-Hampshire;,  Massachusetts.  Rhode- 
Island,  Connecticut  and  Virginia,  from  the  sum  given 
deduct  l-5th  thereof.  Into  New- York  and  North  Caro- 
lina, to  the  sum  given  add  l-5th  thereof.  Into  South 
Carolina  and  Georgia,  multiply  by  3  and  l-9th,  and 
divide  the  product  by  5  ;  or  multiply  by  28  and  divide 
by  45. 

Z2 


270 


APrENDIX. 


To  reduce  South-Carolinia  and  Georgia  into  New- 
Hampshire,  Massachusetts,  Rhode-Island,  Connecticut 
and  Virginia,  to  the  given  sum  add  2-7th  thereof.  Into 
Pennsylvania,  New-Jersey,  Delaware  and  Maryland, 
multiply  the  given  sum  by  45  and  divide  by  28.  Into 
New-York  and  North-Carolina,  from  the  given  sum 
subtract  l-7th  and  double  the  remainder. 


TABLE  of  Foreign  Money. 


Pound  Sterling 
Marc  Banco  of  Hamburgh 
Rix  Dollar  of  Bremen 
Guilder  of  Holland 
Franc  of  France  . 
Keal  Vellon  of  Spain 
Real  of  Gibraltar 
Pezza  of  Leghorn 
Ducat  of  Naples  . 
Ounce  of  Sicily 


j>4  44  1-4 
0  33  1-3 
0  75 
0  40 
0  10  4-5 
0  5 
0    3  1-2 
0  90 
0  80 
2  50 


The  gold  coins  of  Great  Britain  and  Portugal,  of  their 
present  standard,  at  the  rate  of  27  grs.  equal  to  100 
cts.  or  1  dwt.  equal  to  88  8-27  cts.  ;  and  those  of 
France  and  Spain  at  the  rate  of  27  2-5  grs.  equal  to 
100  cts.  or  1  dwt.  equal  to  87  59-137  cts.  The  Spanish 
milled  dollar  weighing  not  less  than  17  dwts.  7  grs.  at 
100  cts.  ;  and  the  crown  of  France  containing  not  less 
than  18  dwts.  17  grs.  at  110  cts. ;  but  at  the  expiration 
of  three  years  after  the  coining  of  gold  and  silver  com- 
menced at  the  mint  of  the  U.  States,  all  foreign  coins 
were  to  cease  from  being  a  legal  tender,  except  Span- 
ish milled  dollars,  and  parts  thereof.  And  at  the  ex- 
piration of  six  months  after  cents  and  half  cents  to  the 
value  of  50,000,  dollars  shall  have  been  issued,  all  other 
copper  coins  are  forbidden  under  the  penalty  of  ten 
dollars,  and  the  forfeiture  of  the  pieces  so  offered. 


APPENDIX.  172 

TABLE,  showing  the  advance  per  cent,  on  one  pound 
sterling,  from  5  per  cent,  to  100  per  cent. 

One  pound  sterling  is  .          .          #4  44  1-4 

5  per  cent,  advance  on  it,  is  .          4  66  1-2 

10             —  4  88  1-4 

124           —  5  00 

15             —  5  11 

174            —  5  22 

20            —  5  33  1-4 

25             —  .                     5  55  1-2 

30             —  5  77  3-4 

35             —  6  00 

40            —  6  22  1-4 

45             —  6  44  1-2 

50             —  6  66  3-.4 

55             —  ,           .          6  89 

60             —  7  11 

65             —  .                     7  33  1- 

70             —  .          7  55  1-2 

75             —  .                     7  77  3-4 

80            —  8  00 

85             —  8  22  1-4 

90            —  8  44  1-2 

95             —  8  66  3-4 

100             —  8  89 


gO      5  ft*. 

0  10 
0  25 
0  50 

0  75 

1  00 

1  50 

2  00 

2  50 

3  50 

4  00 

5  00 


Stamp  Table. 


Notes  not  exceeding  $100 
 above  $  100  and  not  exceeding  200 


200 

500 

500 

1,000 

1,000 

1,500 

1,500 

2,000 

2,000 

3,000 

3,000 

4,000 

4,000 

5,000 

5,000 

7,000 

7,000 

8,000 

8,000 

272 


APPENDIX. 


JVeighls  and  Measures. 

Grains,    troy  weight. 
24       1  Penny-weight. 
480     20      1  Ounce. 
5,760    240    12    1  Pound. 


Dram*,  avoirdupois  weight. 
16  1  Ounce. 

256  16  1  Pound. 

7,160        448        28     1  Quarter. 
28,672     1,792       112     4     1  Hundred, 

^73,440  35,840    2,240    80    20    1  Ton. 


APOTHECARIES  WEIGHT. 

Grains. 

20       1  Scruple. 

60       3     1  Dram. 
480     24—  8      1  Ounce. 
5,760    288    96    12    1  Pound, 


GJ.OTH  MEASURE. 

Inches. 
2i    1  Nail. 

9     4    1  Quarter  of  a  Yard 
36    16    4    1  Yard. 
27    12    3    1  Flemish  Elh 
45    20    «    1  English  Ell. 


Pints.  WINE  MEASURE. 

2  1  Quart. 

8  4       1  Gallon. 

336  163     42    1  Tierce. 

504  252     63    1    li  Hogshead. 

672  386     84    2    U  1  Puncheon. 

1,008  504    126    3    2    lj  1  Pipe. 

2,016  1,003    252    6    4    3    2    1  Tun 


APPENDIX. 


a&UARE  OR  LAND  MEASURE. 

Feet. 

9         1  Yard. 

272^      30i      1  Pole. 

10,890  1,210     40  IRood. 

43,560  4,840    160   4    1  Acre. 

COAL  MEASURE. 

Pecks. 

4       1  Bushel. 
12       3       1  Sack. 
36      9      3     1  Vat  or  Strike. 
144     36     12     4     1  Chaldron. 
3,024    756    252    84   21    1  Score, 


OE  PAPER. 

Sheets. 

24     1  Quire. 
480   20    1  Ream. 


WOOL  WEIGHT. 

Pounds. 

7       1  Clove. 
14      2       1  Stone. 
28      4      2       1  Tod. 
182     26     13      6J    1  Wey. 
364     52     26     13     2     1  Sack. 
4,368    642   312    156    24    12    1  Last\ 


LONG  MEASURE. 

Barley  Corns. 

3  1  Inch. 

36         12         1  Foot. 
108         36         3  lYard. 
594        198        164        54     1  Pole. 
23,760     7,920      669      220     40    1  Furlong, 
190,080   63,360   5,280    1J60   320    8    1  Mile. 


\>74 


APPENDIX. 


DRY  MEASURE. 

Quarts. 

4       1  Gallon. 
8       2       1  Peck. 
32       8       4      1  Bushel. 
64     16       8     2     1  Strike. 
128     32     16     4     2      1  Coomb. 
256     64     32     8     4     2     1  Quar. 
1,280    320    160    40   20    10     5    1  Wey. 
2,560    640    320    80    40    20    10    2    1  Last. 


No.  XII. 

Wharfage  and  Cranage  Rates  and  Regulations. 

REGULATIONS   OF   THE    WHARVES    AND  SLIPS. 

Vessels  or  small  craft  above  5  tons  burthen,  belong- 
ing to  the  States  of  New-York,  New-Jersey,  or  Con- 
necticut, and  not  employed  out  of  the  Union,  to  pay 
yearly  to  the  lessee  on  first  coming  to  lie  at  any  of  the 
docks,  piers,  or  slips,  belonging  to  the  corporation, 

If  between  1st  May  and   last   July  inclusive, 

per  ton,    40  cents. 

 1st  August  and  last  October  do.     30  do. 

 1st  Nov.  and  last  January,    do.     20  do. 

 1st  February  and  last  April,  do.     10  do. 

All  vessels  under  5  tons  coming  after  1st  May,  2 
dollars. 

Neglect  to  pay  within  a  month  after  demanded, 
forfeits  an  equal  sum  due  for  wharfage,  to  the  city. 

Proprietor?  of  private  wharves,  are  authorised,  by 
a  law  of  the  legislature,  passed  April  9th,  1813,  to 
make  the  following  charges  of  wharfage : 
For  every  ship  or  vessel  under  50  tons,  per  day,  50  cents. 


50  tons  and  under 

100 

do. 

624  do. 
75  do. 

100  do. 

150 

do. 

150  do. 

200 

do. 

874  do. 

200  do. 

250 

do. 

100  do. 

250  do. 

300 

do. 

1124  do. 

APPENDIX. 


275 


Vessels  of  300  tons  and  under  350  per  day,   125  cents. 

.   350        do.  400     do.        137$  do. 

  400        do.  450     do.        150  do, 

 _  450        do.       *  500     do.        162£  do. 

  500        do.  550     do.        175  do. 

  550        do.  600     do.        187$  do. 

  600  do.  and  upwards,  12J  cents  in  addition 

for  every  50  tons. 

When  brought  into  dock  or  to  a  wharf  to  repair  or 
careen,  and  when  stages  are  slung  on  the  sides  of  the 
vessel,  33  1-3  per  cent  additional  to  the  wharfage. 

Ships  or  vessels  made  fast  for  the  purpose  of 
loading,  unloading,  or  careening  to  other  vessels  fasten- 
ed to  the  wharf,  to  pay  half  dues  of  warfage. 

In  absence  of  the  master  of  the  vessel,  the  consignee 
is  liable  for  the  wharfage,  if  an  account  thereof  is 
delivered  to  him  before  she  sails. 

Differences  may  be  settled  by  the  warden  of  the 
port,  who  is  entitled  to  charge  not  exceeding  1  dol- 
lar 25  bents  for  his  trouble,  to  be  paid  by  the  person 
against  whom  the  determination  is  given. 

The  same  regulations  as  to  charging,  apply  to  all 
vessels  (not  coasters)  lying  at  the  wharves  or  docks  of 
the  lessees  of  the  corporation. 


CRANAGE. 


Taking  out  and  putting  in  the  mast  of  every  sloop  of 
80  tons  or  upwards  -  $  10 

Taking  out  or  putting  in  do.        -  6  25 

Do.  and   do.   of  any  square  rigged  vessel 
of  200  tons  and  upwards  -       -       -       7  50 

Do.  do.  of  any  square  rigged  vessel 

or  schooner  under  200  tons       -       -       -       6  25 

Do.    or    do.  of  any  square  rigged  vessel 
of  200  tons  and  upwards  -       -       -       6  25 

Do.  do.  under  200  tons  5  00 

Masters  of  vessels  refusing  to  remove  them 
when  ordered,  forfeit       -       -       -       -      10  00 
and  the  same  sum  every  day  the  vessel  remains  hi  her 
former  birth. 


£7  6  APPENDIX. 

No  vessels  to  be  careened  in  the  Corporation  docks,! 
&c.  under  a  penalty  of  10  dollars,  and  the  like  sum  j 
per  day,  while  the  practice  is  continued. 

Incommoding  docks  or  slips  with  wrecks  of  ships,  j 
subjects  to  a  similar  penalty. 

Casting  any  anchors,  grappling,  or  killick,  into  orl 
near  any  of  the  docks,  Sec. ;  taking  away  stones,  earth,  j 
timber,  or  ballast  from,  or  throwing  stones,  earth,  tim-j 
ber,  ballast,  oyster-shells,  ashes,  or  other  dirt  or  rub- ] 
bish  ;  or  bringing  any  masts,  yards,  spars,  or  other 
kinds  of  timber,  or  stages,  or  platforms  for  working 
on,  within  any  of  the  docks,  &c.  forfeits  10  dollars, 
and  5  dollars  for  every  day  they  are  allowed  to 
remain. 

No  shells,  ashes,  stones,  or  dirt  to  be  thrown  from 
a  vessel  into  any  slip  or  dock,  under  penalty  of  5 
ollars. 

Only  small  craft,  such  as  ferry-boats,  market-boats, 
pettiaugers,  and  canoes,  allowed  to  be  brought  with- 
in Fly-market-slip,  under  a  penalty  of  5  dollars. 

All  boats  or  vessels,  except  ferry-boats,  prohibited 
from  entering  Courtlandt-slip,  those  parts  of  the  Cor- 
poration basin  where  Hoboken  ferry  is  kept,  or  that 
part  of  Catherine-slip  where  the  ferry-boats  land 
passengers  ;  and  from  incommoding  the  ferry-boats  in 
any  manner,  under  a  penalty  of  10  dollars. 

All  market-boats,  pettiaugers,  and  canoes,  under 
5  tons,  coming  to  the  docks,  Sec,  of  the  Corporation, 
to  have  their  owners'  names  painted,  at  full  length,  in 
legible  letters,  under  a  penalty  of  2  dollars. 

No  sea  vessel,  of  whatever  description,  or  coasting 
vessel,  above  100  tons,  allowed  to  enter  any  of  the 
docks,  &c.  excepting  Old  Coffee-house-slip,  without 
permission  from  the  Mayor,  Recorder,  or  one  of  th* 
Aldermen,  under  the  penalty  of  10  dollars. 

The  Mayor,  Recorder,  or  any  one  of  the  Aldermen 
or  assistants,  or  the  lessee  of  the  wharves,  may  giv< 
orders  respecting  the  births  and  fastening  of  all  sloops 
boats,  and  vessels,  lying  therein.  Disobedience  sub 
jects  to  a  penalty  of  25  dollars. 


APPENDIX. 


277 


Vessejs  paying  wharfage  by  the  day,  must  make  way 
for  the  accommodation  of  such  as  pay  by  the  year,  on 
the  orders  of  any  Alderman  or  assistant  Alderman, 
under  the  penalty  of  10  dollars,  and  the  like  sum  for 
every  day's  refusal. 


No.  XIII. 

Harbour  Masters. 

BATES  AND  REGULATIONS. 

By  an  act  of  the  legislature,  passed  April  3d 
1801,  a  Harbour-master  was  appointed  for  this  port, 
to  regulate  the  shipping,  and  keep  order  among-  the 
crews  of  the  different  vessels.  The  great  increase 
of  trade  led,  in  April  1813,  to  the  appointment  of  two 
persons  for  that  purpose,  who  before  entering  on 
their  office,  execute  bonds  with  two  sureties  each  in 
the  sum  of  2,500  dollars,  for  the  faithful  and  impar- 
tial fulfilment  thereof. 

The  Harbour- masters  have  authority  "  to  regulate 
and  station  all  ships  and  vessels  in  the  stream  of  the 
East  and  North  Rivers,  within  the  limits  of  the  city 
of  New-York,  and  at  the  wharves  thereof ;  and  to 
remove  from  time  to  lime  such  ships  and  vessels  as 
are  not  employed  in  receiving  or  discharging  their 
cargoes,  to  make  room  for  such  others  as  require  to 
be  more  immediately  accommodated  for  the  purpose 
of  receiving  or  discharging  their' s ;  and  as  to  the 
fact  of  their  being  fairly  and  bona  fole  employed  in 
receiving  or  discharging  their  cargoes,  the  said 
Harbour-masters  are  hereby  constituted  the  sole 
judges."  They  have  also  power  "  to  determine  how 
.far,  and  in  what  instances,  it  is  the  duty  of  masters 
and  others  having  charge  of  ships  and  vessels,  to 
accommodate  each  other  in  their  respective  situ- 
ations-." Resistance  or  opposition  to  a  Harbour- 
2  A 


278  APPENDIX. 

master  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty,  subjects  to  'a 
penalty  of  50  dollars,  for  the  use  of  ihc  city  hospital. 

It  is  likewise  the  duty  of  the  Harbour-masters 
"  to  superintend  and  enforce  the  execution  of  all 
laws  of  this  State,  and  all  bye  laws  of  the  Corpora- 
tion of  the  city  of  New- York,  for  cleansing'  the  docks 
and  wharves,  and  for  prevcntiug  and  removing  all 
nuisances  whatsoever  in  or  upon  them  or  either  of 
them."  Penalty  for  refusal  or  neglect  2  dollars  50 
cents.  In  oase  of  sickness,  the  Harbour-masters 
may  appoint  deputies  to  act  for  them  during  its  con- 
tinuance ;  and,  in  the  event  of  one  dying,  the  sur- 
vivor may  appoint  a  deputy  to  act  until  the  council 
of  appointment  supply  the  vacancy. 

TAELE  OF*  FEES. 

All  ships  and  vessels  belonging  to  the  United 
States  which  shall  enter  the  port,  and  load  and  un- 
load, or  make  fast  to  any  wharf  therein,  to 
pay,  if  not  exceeding  100  tons  burthen       $  1  50 

Above  100  and  not  exceeding  200       -       3  00 

Of  greater  burthen,  to  be  ascertained  by  the 
respective  registers. 

Foreign  vessels  to  pay  double  the  above  fees. 

All  fees  must  be  paid  within  48  hours  after  the 
arrival  of  the  vessel,  under  a  penalty  of  paying 
double. 

When  a  Harbour-master  is  required  to  remove, 
or  a  second  time  to  procure  a  station  for  a  vessel, 
or  to  interfere  in  adjusting  any  difference  as  to  the 
birth,  position,  or  fastening  of  the  vessel,  he  is 
entitled  to  receive  before  exercising  his  authority, 
the  sum  of  1  dollar  50  cents. 

The  same  sum  is  chargeable  on  vessels  not  sub- 
ject to  pay  the  preceding  fees,  when  a  Harbour- 
master's assistance  is  called  for  in  similar  cases. 

The  emoluments  are  divided  equajly  among  the 
U  ardour-masters. 


APPENDliX. 


279 


No.  XIV. 
Gun-Powder  Regulations, 

It  shall  not  be  lawful  for  any  person  to  keep  any 
quantity  of  gun-powder,  exceeding  28  lbs.  in  any 
one  place,  house,  store  or  out-house,  less  than  one 
mile  to  the  northward  of  the  City-hall,  except  in  the 
public  magazine,  at  the  fresh  water;  which  quantity 
of  28  lbs  shall  be  separated  in  4  stone  jugs,  or  tin 
canisters,  each  of  which  shall  not  contain  more  than 
7  lbs.  Penalty  125  dollars  for  every  cwt.  and  in 
that  proportion  for  a  lesser  quantity,  besides  forfeit- 
ing the  powder. 

The  commander  or  owner  of  every  ship  or  vessel, 
arriving  from  sea,  and  having  gun-powder  on  board, 
shall,  within  24  hours  after  the  arrival  in  the  har- 
bour, and  before  such  ship  or  other  vessel  be  hauled 
alongside  of  any  wharf,  pier,  or  key,  land  the  gun- 
powder, by  means  of  a  boat,  or  other  small  craft,  at 
any  place  on  the  East  River  east  of  Walnut-street, 
or  at  any  place  on  the  North  River  to  the  northward 
of  the  outlet  of  Lispenard's  meadow,  which  may  be 
most  contiguous  to  any  of  the  magazines,  and  shall 
cause  the  same  to  be  stored  in  one  of  the  magazines, 
on  pain  of  forfeiting  all  such  gun-powder,  to  any 
person  or  persons  who  will  sue  and  prosecute  for  the 
same. 

All  gun-powder  which  shall  be  carried  through  the 
streets  by  carts,  carriages,  or  by  hand  or  otherwise, 
shall  be  in  tight  casks,  well  headed  and  hooped,  and 
shall  be  put  into  bags  or  leather  cases,  and  entirely 
covered  therewith,  so  that  no  powder  may  be  spilled 
or  scattered  in  the  passage  thereof,  on  pain  of  for- 
feiting all  such  gun-powder  as  shall  be  conveyed 
through  any  of  the  streets :  And  it  shall  be  lawful 
for  an)'  person  to  seize  the  same  to  his  own  use  and 
benefit,  and  to  convey  it  to  one  of  the  magazines,  and 
thereupon  to  prosecute  the  person  offending  against 


VOO  APPENDIX. 

this  act,  before  the  Mayor  or  Recorder  and  any  twe 
Aldermen  of  the  city;  and  such  gun-powder,  upon 
conviction,  shall  be  condemned  to  the  use  of  the 
person  seizing  the  same. 

The  Mayor,  Recorder,  or  any  two  Aldermen, 
may,  upon  information  on  oath,  issue  their  warrant 
for  seizing  gun-powder  kept  in  any  building  or  vessel, 
contraray  to  this  act,  and  to  remove  it  to  a  maga- 
zine. 

If  any  gun-powder,  exceeding  28  lbs.  shall  be 
found  in  the  custody  of  any  person  during  any  fire 
or  alarm  of  fire  in  the  city,  by  any  fireman  of  the 
city,  it  shall  be  lawful  for  him  to  seize  the  same 
without  warrant,  and  cause  it  to  be  condemned  to 
his  own  use. 

No  greater  quantity  of  sulphur  than  10  cwt.  and 
no  greater  quantity  of  hemp  or  flax  than  20  cwt. 
shall  be  stored  or  kept,  in  any  one  place  in  the  city, 
to  the  southward  of  the  fresh  water  in  the  sixth 
ward,  nor  to  the  southward  of  Rutger's-slip  in  the 
seventh  ward,  other  than  in  such  proper  place  or 
places  as  shall  be  appointed  and  approved  of  by  the 
Common  Council,  under  the  penalty  of  23  dollars 
for  every  offence  or  refusal  to  remove  the  same. 

No  pitch,  tar,  turpentine,  rosin,  spirits  of  turpen- 
tine, linseed  oil,  or  shingles,  shall  be  put  in  any  place 
in  the  city  to  the  southward  ot  the  fresh  water,  other 
than  in  such  places  as  shall  be  appointed  and  ap- 
proved of,  under  the  penalty  of  25  dollars  for  every 
offence,  or  refusal  to  remove  the  same. 

It  shall  be  lawful  for  any  of  the  ship-chandlers  in 
the  city  to  keep  in  any  enclosure  within  the  limits 
aforesaid,  a  quantity  of  pitch,  tar,  rosin,  or  turpen- 
tine, not  exceeding  in  the  whole  20  barrels  at  any 
one  time* 


APPENDIX. 


281 


-Ko.  XV. 

INSPECTORS  OF  NATIVE  PRODUCE. 

Staves  and  Heading.  The  council  of  appoint- 
ment choose  an  inspector-general  of  staves  and  head- 
ing" for  the  city  and  county  of  fNew-York.  By  the 
same  authority,  8  or  more  cullers  are  appointed  for 
the  same  district.  Neither  the  inspector-general  nor 
the  cullers  are  permitted  to  buy  or  sell  staves  or 
heading1,  for  themselves,  or  as  ag'ents  for  others, 
under  a  penalty  of  50  dollars  for  each  offence ;  un- 
less they  happen  to  be  coopers,  and  purchase  stock 
for  their  own  use  in  carrying-  on  their  business. 

The  inspector-general  is  required  to  superintend 
the  cullers,  and  cause  them  to  execute  the  law 
faithfully. 

The  cullers  must  follow  the  instructions  of  the 
inspector-general,  and  once  a  month  make  a  return 
to  him  of  the  quantity  of  staves  and  heading  they 
have  culled,  the  different  kinds,  and  to  whom  be- 
longing. They  may  be  displaced  by  the  inspector- 
general  for  negligence,  incapacity,  mal-practices,  or 
abuse  of  trust ;  and  others  be  appointed  by  him  un- 
til the  pleasure  of  the  council  shall  be  known.  In 
case  of  death  among  the  cullers,  he  may  fill  up  va- 
cancies ad  interim.  Where  any  dispute  arises  re- 
specting the  culling"  of  staves  and  heading",  it  shall 
be  submitted  to  the  inspector-general,  who  shall  de- 
termine finally  thereon. 

Any  person  putting  staves  or  heading  on  board  a 
vessel  for  exportation  without  inspection,  forfeits  2 
dollars  and  50  cents  for  every  thousand,  and  the 
owner  5  dollars,  to  be  recovered  with  costs.  Per- 
sons who  ship  for  exportation  condemned  staves  or 
heading,  forfeit  5  dollars  for  each  offence. 

The  inspector-general  is  to  report  annually  to  the 
governor,  for  the  information  of  the  legislature. 
2  A  2 


APPENDIX. 


what  amendments  appear  to  be  necessary  in  the 
law,  and  the  number  and  kinds  of  the  staves  and 
heading  culled  in  the  city  of  New-York.  He  has 
also  power  to  search  vessels,  on  which  there  is  sus- 
picion that  unculled  staves  or  heading*,  or  condemned 
ones  shall  have  been  shipped  for  exportation,  and  if 
he  discovers  any  such,  to  order  them  to  be  relanded 
for  inspection.  Any  persons  obstructing*  him  may  be 
compelled  to  pay  50  dollars  for  each  offence. 

Disputes  between  buyers  and  sellers,  respecting 
the  culling  by  the  culler  who  was  originally  employ- 
ed, are  conclusively  settled  by  reference  to  two 
other  cullers,  one  chosen  by  the  buyer  and  the  other 
by  the  seller. 

The  compensation  of  the  inspector-general  is  10 
cents  for  each  thousand  merchantable  staves  and 
heading,  one  half  paid  by  the  buyer  and  the  other 
half  by  the  seller ;  and  for  all  that  are  culled  out 
and  are  not  merchantable,  5  cents  a  thousand,  to  be 
paid  by  the  owner. 

The  pay  of  the  cullers  is  as  follows ;  for  every 
thousand  pipe-staves  624  cents  ;  for  every  thousand 
staves  and  heading  50  cents ;  for  every  thousand 
barrel-staves  374  cents;  for  every  thousand  long 
butt-staves  1  dollar  50  cents ;  and  for  every  thou- 
sand short  butt-staves  1  dollar  25  cents ;  one  half  to 
be  paid  by  the  buyer  and  the  other  half  by  the 
seller.  And  for  all  that  are  culled  out  and  are  not 
merchantable,  the  cullers  receive  half  price,  to 
be  paid  by  the  owner.  Laws  of  New-  York,  March 
26,  1813. 

Pot  and  Pearl  Ashes.  Inspectors  of  pot  ashes 
and  pearl  ashes  are  provided  for  the  city  of  New- 
York,  who  are  not  to  be  fewer  than  two  nor  more 
than  six  in  number.  They  shall  not  act  by  deputy, 
but  do  their  business  in  person.  They  are  to  in- 
spect all  those  alkaline  salts,  before  exportation,  by 
starting  the  same  out  of  the  casks  and  carefully  ex- 
amining the  same,  and  distributing  them  into  differ- 


APPENDIX. 


ent  sorts  if  necessary  They  are  to  put  each  sort 
by  itself  into  tight  casks  well  hooped  and  coopered, 
and  brand  on  them  the  words  First  Sort.  Second 
Sort,  or  Third  Sort,  Pot  Ashes  or  Pearl  Ashes,  as 
the  case  may  be,  in  plain  legible  characters ;  toge- 
ther with  the  inspector's  name  and  the  place  of  in- 
spection at  full  length,  on  each  of  the  casks. — 
They  must  also  weigh  and  inscribe  with  a  marking 
iron  on  each  cask  the  gross  weight  and  tare  thereof. 
For  all  which  service  they  are  entitled  to  9  cents 
a  cwt.  half  to  be  paid  by  the  buyer  and  half  by  the 
seller.  But  they  shall  not  brand  any  cask  that  is  not  29 
inches  long,  19  inches  in  diameter  at  each  head,  full 
bound,  made  of  white  oak  staves  and  heading,  or  of 
such  other  timber  as  they  shallthink  proper,  and  also 
sound  and  tight. 

In  cases  of  fraud  by  mixtures  of  stones,  lime,  salt 
or  other  adulterating  ingredients  with  the  alkalies 
at  market,  the  inspector  shall  brand  the  cask  with 
the  words  condemned,  and  be  paid  for  inspection  at 
the  same  rate  as  if  they  were  good.  And  if  any  per- 
son oners  for  sale  such  alkalies  for  any  other  than 
condemned,  he  incurs  a  penalty  of  25  dollars  for  each 
offence.  Persons  mixing  such  foreign  substances,, 
forfeit  20  dollars  for  each  offence. 

Inspectors  may  search  vessels  for  alkaline  salts, 
and  if  they  find  any  casks  on  board  not  branded 
according  to  law,  they  are  forfeited,  and  the  master 
incurs  a  penalty  of  12  dollars  50  cents.  Any  per- 
son obstructing  the  inspector  when  on  a  search  shall 
pay  25  dollars. 

Pot  ashes  and  pearl  ashes  that  have  undergone 
inspection  in  Albany,  or  any  other  place  on  Hudson 
river,  where  inspectors  have  been  appointed,  may 
be  exported  from  New-York,  without  a  re-inspec- 
tion. 

Inspectors  delaying  to  inspect  these  alkaline  salts 
for  a  longer  time  than  three  hours  after  application, 
unless  they  are  actually  employed  in  the  duties  of 


their  office,  forfeit  2  dollars  50  cents  to  the  person 
delayed.  Persons  counterfeiting-  brand  marks  for- 
feit 125  dollars  for  each  offence.  Laws  of  New- 
York*  Feb.  23th  1313. 

Soal  Leather.  Two  inspectors  of  soal  leather  are 
commissioned  for  the  city,  under  the  authority  of 
the  council  of  appointment.  All  soal  leather  for 
use  shall  be  previously  inspected,  unless  it  shall 
have  been  already  inspected  at  Albany,  Sche- 
nectady or  Hudson.  The  inspectors  must  seal  and 
weigh  it.  If  offered  without  having-  been  inspected, 
the  seller  forfeits  5  dollars  for  each  offence.  For 
inspecting,  sealing-,  and  weighing  each  side  of  soal 
leather,  the  inspectors  receive  4  cents,  one  half  to 
be  paid  by  the  seller  and  the  other  half  by  the  buyer. 
The  inspector  shall  mark  the  inspected  as  good  and 
merchantable  leather  with  his  name  and  place  of 
residence  ;  and  counterfeiters  of  these  marks,  forfeit 
for  each  offence  25  dollars.  Leather  not  passing 
inspection  as  good,  may  nevertheless  be  used  for  all 
other  purposes  except  making  shoes,  boots  and 
buckets.  Such  unmerchantable  leather  shall  be 
marked  Bad.  Persons  working  up  soal  leather 
before  inspection,  or  making  it  into  shoes,  boots, 
or  buckets,  after  it  is  marked  bad,  forfeit  for  every 
offence  25  dollars.  Laws  of  New-  York,  March  5th 
1801. 

Flour  and  Meal.  An  inspector  of  flour  and  meal 
js  appointed  by  the  State  Council  for  the  city  of  New- 
York  ;  and  he  may,  by  writing,  under  his  hand  and 
seal,  appoint  as  many  deputies  as  he  thinks  neces- 
sary, and  remove  them  at  pleasure.  The  inspector 
in  New-York  may  appoint  a  deputy  in  Kings  County 
to  inspect  all  flour  and  meal  intended  for  exportation 
in  the  count}';  which  articles,  when  so  inspected 
there,  may  be  exported  in  the  same  manner  as  if  in- 
spected in  the  city. 

All  wheat-flour,  rye-flour,  Indian-meal  and  buck- 
wheat meal  must  be  approved  and  branded  by  the 


AFPE7SDIX.  285 

inspector  or  one  of  his  deputies  before  shipment  for 
exportation.  No  Indian-meal  shall  be  branded  for 
exportation  unless  it  is  manufactured  from  maize 
properly  kiln-dried,  and  ground  fine  and  bolted. 

The  four  sorts  of  flour  and  meal  just  mentioned 
must  be  packed  in  good  casks  of  oak  or  other  suit- 
able timber,  secured  with  ten  hoops  properly  nailed. 
These  barrels  shall  be  of  but  two  sizes,  one  to  con- 
tain 196  lbs.  of  flour  or  meal,  with  staves  27  inches 
long,iand  heads  16J  inches  wide  ;  and  the  other  to 
conta  981bs.  with  staves  22  inches  long,  and  heads 
14  inches  wide,  or  the  staves  27  inches  long  and  the 
heads  12  inches  wide.  They  must  be  as  nearly 
straight  as  may  be  for  the  conveni  nee  of  stowage  ; 
and  their  weight  must  be  inscribed  on  one  of  the 
heads  with  a  marking  iron. 

Each  barrel  of  flour,  and  of  meal  must  be 
branded  with  the  surname  and  the  initials  of  the 
christian  name  of  the  manufacturer;  together  with 
the  nett  weight  of  196  lbs.  or  98  lbs.  contained  in 
each  barrel.  In  addition  to  which,  manufactured 
wheat  which  is  intended  to  be  of  the  first  quality 
must  be  branded  Superfine,  that  of  the  second  quality 
Fine,  that  of  the  third  quality  Fine  Middlings,  and 
that  of  the  fourth  quality  Middlings.  Barrels  of  ma- 
nufactured Rye,  intended  for  first  quality,  must  be 
branded  Superfine  Rye-flour,  and  of  the  second  qua- 
lity, Fine  Rue-flour.  On  each  barrel  of  manufac- 
tured maize  shall  be  branded  Indian-meal.  And  on 
each  barrel  of  manufactured  buck-wheat  shall  be 
branded  B.  Meal.  All  this  must  be  done  before 
either  is  offered  for  inspection. 

Indian-meal,  however,  may  be  packed  in  hogs- 
heads of  800  lbs.  and  be  then  duly  inspected  and 
passed  for  exportation. 

There  is  a  penalty  of  50  cents  a  pound  for  the  false 
taring  of  barrels  less  than  the  true  weight,  and  any 
inspector,  having  reason  to  believe  that  casks  are 


206 


APPENDIX. 


tarrd  falsely,  may  ascertain  the  fact  by  examin- 
ation. 

After  tlic  barrels  are  found  to  be  constructed  and 
marked  according-  to  law,  the  inspector,  if  he  finds 
the  same  to  correspond  with  the  contents,  is  to  sig- 
nify it  by  branding"  his  name  find  the. county  where 
the  inspection  is  made,  on  the  quarter  in  a  dis- 
tinguishable manner.  And  when  the  brands  of  the 
manufacturer  do  not  in  his  judgment  correspond  to 
the  kind  and  quality  of  the  contents  of  the  barrels, 
he  must  alter  the  same  so  as  to  make  them  describe 
the  real  quality. 

It  is  also  the  duty  of  the  inspector  to  weigh  bar- 
rels which  he  suspects  of  being*  too  light,  and  if 
they  are  not  found  to  contain  the  true  weight,  he 
shall  mark  the  heads  with  the  word  Light;  and  be  paid 
by  the  owner  or  shipper  for  weighing*  them  20  cents 
for  each  barrel  and  half  barrel,  and  45  cents  for  each 
hogshead.  In  such  cases,  the  manufaturer  shall  pay 
20  cents  for  every  pound  of  deficient  weight. 

iWhen  flour  or  meal  are  so  injured  in  manufacturings 
or  otherwise  damaged  as  not  to  be  fit  for  exportation 
under  any  of  the  legal  denominations,  the  inspector 
must  mark  the  barrels  containing*  them  Bad.  And 
that  which  is  marked  light,  as  well  as  that  marked 
bad,  are  forbidden  to  be  carried  out  of  the  State, 
under  a  penalty  of  5  dollars  for  each  barrel.  The 
fee  of  the  inspector  is  2  cents  a  barrel,  to  be  paid 
him  by  the  owner,  who  is  authorised  to  charge  the 
purchaser  with  one  half  the  amount  over  and  above 
the  price  of  the  flour  or  meal. 

All  flour  and  meal  purchased  for  exportation  must 
he  inspected  at  the  time  and  place  of  exportation, 
under  a  penalty  of  5  dollars  for  each  barrel,  to  be 
paid  by  the  purchaser  or  exporter. 

Persons  shipping  for  exportation  flour  or  meal  not 
duly  branded,  forfeit  the  same. — And  persons  con- 
victed of  having*  exported  from  the  State  flour  and 
meal  without  having  been  first  duly  branded.,  forfeit? 


APPENDIX. 


287 


on  conviction,  5  dollars  for  each  barrel.  And  for 
the  more  effectual  prevention  of  such  practices,  the 
inspector  may  go  on  board  any  vessel,  between  sun- 
rise and  sunset,  and  search  for  uninspected  flour 
and  meal.  Persons  obstructing'  him  pay  on  convic- 
tion 100  dollars  for  each  offence. 

Inspectors  are  prohibited  from  purchasing"  flour 
and  meal  except  for  their  own  private  use,  under 
a  penalty  of  500  dollars.  Persons  altering  or  coun- 
terfeiting marks  and  brands,  public  and  private, 
forfeit  100  dollars.  Persons  putting  fresh  flour  into 
old  barrels  already  marked  and  branded,  forfeit  5 
dollars  for  every  barrel  so  repacked.  Persons  offer- 
ing for  sale  wheaten  flour  containing  in  it  a  portion  of 
Indian  meal  or  other  foreign  admixture,  forfeit  5  dol- 
lars for  each  barrel  so  adulterated.  And  masters  of 
vessels  bringing  to  New- York  market  Indian  meal 
vpon  their  decks,  forfeit  20  cents  a  barrel,  and  80 
cents  a  hogshead,  for  the  Indian  meal  so  transported. 

In  cases  of  false-taxing,  or  false  brand-marking, 
the  inspector  may,  in  a  summary  way,  seize  and  sell 
the  flour  and  meal  so  fraudulently  marked,  for  the 
recovery  of  the  penalties.  But  in  the  other  forfeit- 
ures, the  recovery  must  be  before  a  justice  of  the 
peace,  or  in  any  court  of  record  having  cognizance 
of  the  same.    Laws  of  Netc-York,  March  5th,  1813. 

•Beef  and.  Pork. — Beef  and  pork  can  be  exported 
only  in  barrels  and  half- barrels.  The  barrels  and 
half-barrels  must  be  made  of  good  seasoned  white 
oak  or  white  ash  staves  and  heading.  The  barrels 
must  measure  18J  inches  between  the  chines,  and  be 
28  inches  long.  The  half-barrels  must  be  of  the  ca- 
pacity of  not  less  than  15  nor  more  than  16  gallons. 
They  must  be  hooped  with  at  least  12  good  white  oak 
or  hickory  hoops  well  set  and  driven:  and  the  heads 
made  of  good  substantial  stuff.  Each  barrel  must 
contain  200  lbs.  of  meat ;  and  each  half-barrel  100  lbs. 

There  must  be  one  or  more  inspectors  in  the  city 
of  New- York;  and  one  specially  to  inspect,  pack, 


288 


APPENDIX. 


and  put  up  beef  according  to  the  usages  of  the  Jews; 
They  are  appointed  by  the  state-council.  Each 
inspector  must  in  June  annually  make  a  return  to 
the  governor,  of  the  whole  number  of  barrels  and 
half-barrels  of  beef  and  pork  by  him  inspected  for  the 
preceding  year,  and  of  the  cities  and  counties  where 
the  same  is  packed  and  done. 

Beef  for  exportation  must  not  be  killed  under 
3  years  of  age.  It  mnst  be  cut  in  square  pieces  as 
nearly  as  may  be,  not  exceeding  12  lbs.  in  weight 
nor  less  than  four.  Beef  found  by  the  inspectors  to 
have  been  killed  at  a  proper  age,  and  to  be  fat  and 
merchantable,  is  divided  into  three  sorts  for  packing 
and  re-packing  in  barrels  and  half-barrels,  to  wit, 
mes±\  prime,  and  cargo. 

Mess-beef  consists  of  the  choicest  pieces  of  oxen, 
-cows,  and  steers,  well  fatted.  The  shin,  shoulder, 
clod,  and  neck,  are  taken  from  the  fore-quarters ;  and 
the  leg3  and  leg-rounds  from  the  hind-quarters. 
Each  barrel  and  half-barrel  containing  beef  of  this 
description,  is  branded  on  one  of  the  heads  mess-beef. 

Prime-beef  consists  of  the  choice  pieces  of  oxen, 
cows,  steers,  and  heifers;  among  these  there  is  not 
more  than  half  a  neck,  and  one  shank  with  the  hock 
cut  oft.  The  containing  vessels  must  be  branded  on 
one  head  prime- beef. 

Cargo-beef  consists  of  the  pieces  of  fat  cattle  of  all 
descriptions,  of  three  years  old  and  upwards,  with 
not  more  than  half  a  neck  and  three  shanks  without 
the  hocks  in  each  barrel ;  and  half-barrel  in  propor- 
tion. To  be  otherwise  merchantable,  and  branded 
cargo-heef 

A  fourth  quality  of  beef  is  permitted  to  be  put  up 
and  exported  from  New-York.  This  consists  of 
necks,  hearts,  and  the  meat  of  heads  ;  to  be  denomi- 
nated and  marked  heads,  hearts,  and  hocks.  The 
barrels  containing  these  pieces  are  to  be  inspected 
like  the  rest. 

All  these  qualities  of  beef  rmr?t  he  laid  in  s^t  «i 


APPENDIX. 


239 


sufficient  length  of  time  to  extract  the  blood  before 
packing-;  and  all  beef  and  pork  must  be  pickled  with 
a  strong1  good  pickle,  made  of  as  much  good  clear  salt 
as  will  dissolve  in  good  fresh  water.  Every  barrel 
repacked  and  iuspected,  to  have  2\  pucks  salt,  and 
4  oz.  salt  petre,  and  in  the  same  proportion  for  half- 
barrels,  put  into  them.  The  salt  manufactured  in 
this  state  may  be  used  if  of  good  quality,  end  not  less 
than  46  lbs.  for  a  ban  J,  and  23  lbs.  for  half  a  barrel. 

The  weight,  the  inspector's  name,  and  the  place 
of  inspection,  must  be  branded  on  one  of  the  barrel 
heads. 

Pork  must  be  packed  and  repacked  in  barrels 
made  of  white-oak  or  whitc-ash  staves  and  heading-, 
and  in  other  respects  conforming  to  beef  barrels, 
barrels  must  contain  200  lbs.  and  half-barrels  J 00 
lbs  of  meat. 

There  are  three  qualities  of  pork,  mess,  prime, 
and  cargo.  Mess-pork  consists  of  the  rib  pieces  of 
irood  fat  hogs  only,  and  must  be  branded  mess-pork. 
Prime-pork  consits  of  the  next  best  pieces,  with  not 
more  than  three  shoulders  in  one  barrel.  This  shall 
contain  no  legs,  nor  more  than  24  lbs.  of  head  that 
-hall  have  the  ears  cut  off,  and  the  snouts  above  the 
tusks,  and  the  brains  and  bloody  grizzle  taken  from 
the  heads. — Such  shall  be  branded  prime-pork.  Car- 
go-pork shall  not  contain  in  one  barrel  more  than 
four  shoulders  without  the  leg-s,  nor  more  than  two 
heads,  with  the  ears  and  snouts  cut  off,  and  brains 
and  bloody  grizzle  taken  out,  which  heads  shall 
not  exceeed  30  lbs.  in  weight.  The  pork  must  be 
i  n  other  respects  fat  and  merchantable,  and  be 
branded  cargo-pork.    Half-barrels  must  conform. 

Pork  must  be  cut  into  pieces  as  nearly  square  as 
may  be  ;  and  none  must  exceed  20  lbs.  nor  be  under 
4.  The  salt  and  pickle  is  the  same  which  is  provid- 
ed for  beef.  And  the  branding-  of  the  weight,  in- 
spector's name,  and  the  place  of  inspection,  is  exe- 
cuted in  like  manner. 

2B 


290 


APPENDIX.. 


No  inspector  shall  inspect  or  brand  out  of  his  dis- 
trict under  the  penalty  of  25  dollars.  Any  person 
usurping-  the  inspector's  brand,  shall  pay  1  dollar 
for  every  cask  so  unlawfully  branded.  Inspectors 
guilty  of  neglect  or  fraud  in  performing-  their  duties, 
forfeit  2  dollars  for  each  offence.  Persons  intermix- 
ing- or  shifting  beef  and  pork  from  cask  to  cask  after 
inspection,  forfeit  for  each  offence  10  dollars. 

The  inspectors  receive  for  each  barrel  20  cents, 
and  for  each  half-barrel  12  cents,  including-  their 
salting-,  packing,  inspecting-,  and  pickling-,  and  ex- 
clusive of  cooperage ;  to  be  paid  by  the  owner. 

Rounds  of  beef  may  be  still  exported  in  kegs  and 
tubs  as  heretofore. 

Beef  and  pork  inspected  according  to  the  laws  of 
other  states,  need  not  be  re-inspected,  if  they  are 
accompanied  by  a  proper  certificate.  Inspectors  are 
prohibited  buying  and  selling  pork  and  beef  as  mer- 
chandize, and  restricted  to  dealing  in  them  for  their 
private  use  and  the  sale  of  remnants.  Laws  of  JS"ew- 
York,  March  \2th,  1313. 

JSTavy  beef  and  pork. — By  a  law  of  the  legislature 
passed  April  18th,  1815,  the  inspectors  are  authoriz- 
ed to  inspect  and  repack  the  beef  and  pork  used  by 
the  navy. 

The  barrels  for  this  purpose  to  be  made  of  good 
seasoned  heart  of  white  oak  staves  and  heading,  with 
good  hickory,  white  oak,  or  other  substantial  hoops. 
They  must  be  the  size  of  not  less  than  28£  and  not 
more  than  30  gallons,  and  contain  200  lbs.  of  beef 
or  pork.  The  heads  and  staves  half  an  inch  thick ; 
and  the  barrels,  when  finished,  to  measure  in  length 
28  inches ;  the  heads  26  inches  from  the  outside  of 
each;  and  between  the  chines  not  more  than  17, 
nor  less  than  16  inches.  Each  cask  to  be  branded 
with  the  initials  of  the  maker's  name.  Casks  to  be 
condemned  if  otherwise  constructed. 

No  legs,  heads,  and  hands  of  pork  to  be  inspected 
and  repacked  for  the  navv ;  the  remainder  of  the 


APPENDIX. 


291 


animal  to  be  cut,  as  near  a3  mat  be,  in  pieces  of  8 
lbs.  each,  so  that  25  pieces  shall^nake  a  barrel  con- 
taining 200  lbs.  of  well  fatted  pork,  of  the  best  quali- 
ty. 

The  leg's,  shins,  necks,  shoulders,  and  leg-rounds, 
eibcef,  to  be  excluded,  and  the  remainder  of  the  ani- 
mal to  be  cut  in  pieces,  as  nearly  as  may  be.  of  10 
lbs.  each,  so  that  20  pieces  shall  make  a  barrel  con- 
taining" 200  lbs.  of  well  fatted  beef  of  the  best  quality. 

After  inspection  and  repacking1,  every  beef  barrel 
to  be  branded  on  one  of  the  heads  "  U.  S.  prime 
beef,"  and  every  pork  barrel,  "  U.  S.  prime  pork," 
with  the  year,  the  words  kC  New- York,"  and  the  name 
of  the  inspector  branding*  the  same. 

All  beef  and  pork,  whether  for  exportation  or  for 
the  navy,  to  be  inspected  and  repacked  in  stores  or 
yards,  to  be  provided  by  the  inspectors  or  repackers, 
on  the  margin  of  the  East  or  North  river,  under  the 
penalty  of  15  dollars  for  every  barrel  or  cask ;  and  in 
strict  conformity  with  this  act,  under  a  similar  penal- 
ty. Persons  branding  who  are  not  inspectors,  alsc 
forfeit  the  same  sum. 

Fish. — By  an  act  of  the  legislature,  passed  March 
26th,  1813,  the  Council  of  Appointment  are  authf- 
ized  to  appoint  four  inspectors  of  fish  for  this  city, 
who  are  to  provide  stores  for  receiving  and  storing 
fish  sent  in  for  inspection.  If  the  fish  is  removed 
within  three  days  after  notice  of  inspection,  noallaw- 
anr,e  is  made  for  storing. 

Every  barrel  or  half- barrel  in  which  pickled  fish 
is  packed  for  inspection,  must  be  made  of  well  sea- 
soned white  oak,  rock  oak,  white  ash,  or  pine,  free 
from  defect ;  the  length  of  a  stave  for  a  barrel  to  be 
28  inches ;  the  distance  between  the  chines  net  less 
than  26,  and  the  diameter  of  the  head,  from  stave  to 
stave,  16£  inches.  Half-barrels  24  inches  long,  and 
1 3  inches  head.  Each  to  have  12  good  hoops,  and  to 
be  perfectly  tight. 

Dry  salted  herrings  may  be  put  up  in  barrels  of  red 


APPENDIX. 


or  black  oak,  with  heads  of  pine,  of  the  above  dimen- 
sions, and  1 2  good  hickory,  white  oak,  or  other  sub- 
stantial hoops,  to  be  nailed,  well  set,  and  drove. 

1V0  fish  to  be  exported  unless  inspected  and  brand- 
ed with  the  name  of  the  person  who  puts  it  up  in  bar- 
rels, the  name  of  the  fish,  and  the  place  where  it  is 
put  up.  Every  barrel  for  exportation  to  have  a 
bushel  of  salt  put  into  it. 

On  inspecting-  the  fish,  the  inspector  to  brand  the 
barrel  with  his  name  if  merchantable ;  if  unsound,  to 
be  destroyed.  If  part  sound,  to  be  repacked  and 
branded  under  the  direction  of  the  inspector,  who  is 
allowed  374  cents  for  every  barrel  repacked ;  every 
half  barrel  1 8  cents ;  and  for  every  barrel  and  half- 
barrel  inspected,  but  not  repacked,  124  cents;  the 
same  for  every  barrel  and  half-barrel  of  dry  salted 
fish. 

Persons  intermixing  or  shifting  fish  after  inspected 
and  branded,  or  altering'  or  changing  the  brand  or 
aiark,  forfeit  20  dollars  for  each  offence. 

Every  barrel  of  salmon  inspected  must  contain  200 
lbs.;  every  half-barrel  100;  the  weight  to  be  marked 
or  the  head.  The  inspector  to  receive  50  cents  for 
each  tierce,  and  124  cents  for  each  keg. 

Barrels  and  half- barrels  in  which  shad  is  repacked, 
to  be  of  the  size  of  beef  and  pork  barrels,  and  to  be 
re-packed  and  branded  according  to  the  preceding 
rules  respecting  salmon. 

Persons  exporting  fish  without  being  inspected  and 
branded,  forfeit  the  value  of  the  fish  ;  and  if  any  in- 
spector is  guilty  of  fraud  or  neglect,  he  forfeits  10 
dollars  for  every  barrel  of  salmon ;  for  every  tierce 
25  doUars:  and  for  every  barrel  or  cask  of  other  fish 
5  dollars. 

Spirits. — The  Council  of  Appointment  are  author- 
ized, by  a  law  of  the  legislature,  passed  April  13th, 
1814,  to  appoint  an  inspector  of  distilled  spirits  for 
this  city,  with  power  to  him  to  appoint  one  or  more 
deputies,  for  whom  he  is  responsible.    Before  enter- 


APPENDIX. 


293 


ing  on  office,  the  inspector  and  deputes  take  an  oath 

faithfully,  truly,  and  impartially,"  to  discharge  the 
duties  of  their  office. 

On  application  to  the  inspector,  it  is  his  duty  to 
inspect  all  distilled  spirits,  and  to  mark  on  the  ca^k 
containing"  the  same,  in  a  distinguishable  manner,  the 
proof  or  degree  of  spirits  of  such  liquors,  for  which  he 
receives  12£  cents  for  every  cask.  The  proof  or  de- 
cree of  spirits  to  be  determined  by  Southworth's  hy- 
drometer, and  P  on  the  said  hydrometer  to  be  the 
standard  for  first  proof. 

No  spirits  distilled  within  the  United  States  and 
contained  in  a  cask  of  not  less  than  20  gallons,  to  be 
sold  in  this  city,  unless  previously  inspected  and 
marked,  under  the  penalty  of  10  cents  for  every  gal- 
ion  offered  for  sale. 

Altering  inspectors  marks,  changing  the  quality, 
bead,  or  nature  of  the  liquor,  at  the  time  of  marking, 
or  filling  the  cask  with  spirits  after  it  has  been  emp- 
tied without  obliterating  the  mark,  forfeits  25  dol- 
lars. The  marks  on  casks  to  be  defaced  before  they 
are  sold  or  otherwise  disposed  of,  under  a  penalty  of 
10  dollars. 

Persons  adulterating  distilled  spirits,  or  whiie  in  a 
state  of  distillation,  with  any  poisonous  or  unhealthy 
drug  or  substance,  or  selling  the  same,  knowing  them 
lobe  adulterated,  are  deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemean- 
or, liable  to  a  fine  not  exceeding  1000  dollars,  and  to 
imprisonment  not  exceeding  4  years,  or  both,  or 
either,  at  the  discretion  of  the  court. 


No.  xvr. 

.  Masters  and  Wardens  o  f  the  Port. 
By  an  act  passed  9th  of  April,  1813,  it  is  provi 
ded  that  the  council  of  appointment  shall  appoint 
a  master  and  three  or  more  wardens,  to  be  call- 
ed "  The  Master  and  Wardens  of  the  Port  of  New- 
York."  They  are  to  take  an  oath  of  office  and  ap- 
point a  clerk.  He  must  keep  an  office  and  a  J)ook 
2B2 


204 


APPENDIX. 


for  recording  their  proceeding's.  The  master  and 
wardens,  or  any  two  of  them,  are  the  surveyors  of 
all  damaged  goods  imported  in  any  ship  or  vessel ; 
and,  with  the  assistance  of  one  or  more  skilful  car- 
penters, are  surveyors  of  all  vessels  deemed  unfit  for 
sea.  They  arc  to  judge  of  the  repairs  needful  for 
any  such  vessel  previous  to  her  putting  to  sea. 
Sales  of  damaged  goods  required  by  owners  and  con- 
signees, shall  be  under  their  inspection.  When  re- 
quired by  the  owners  and  consignees  the  masters  and 
wardens  shall  certify  the  cause  of  such  damage,  the 
amount  of  sales  of  such  vessels  and  goods,  and  the 
charges  attending  such  sales.  They  are  allowed  two 
per  cent,  on  the  gross  amount  of  such  sales.  For 
each  survey  of  damaged  goods  on  board  a  vessel  ly- 
ing beside  a  wharf,  they  are  severally  allowed  1  dol- 
lar and  50  cents,  for  each  certificate  in  consequence 
of  damaged  goods  1  dollar  and  25  cents,  for  every 
survey  on  board  a  vessel  arrived  in  distress,  2  dollars 
and  50  cents ;  for  every  certificate  of  damages  in 
such  cases  and  recording  the  same,  2  dollars  and  50 
cents ;  for  surveying  the  hull  or  materials  of  any 
vessel  5  dollars ;  and  for  giving  a  certificate  of  such 
survey  and  recording,  2  dollars  and  50  cents.  None 
of  them  are  to  be  concerned  in  any  pilot-boat. 

The  master  and  wardens  appoint  pilots,  make  rules 
and  orders  for  their  better  government,  and  revoke 
and  amend  the  same ;  and  also  impose  fines  for  the 
breach  of  such  rules  and  orders  by  the  pilots  and 
their  deputies.  They  are  also  to  examine,  together 
with  any  two  or  more  branch  pilots,  pilots'  appren- 
tices during  the  last  year  of  their  apprenticeship,  | 
touching  their  knowledge  of  the  tides,  soundings, 
bearings  and  distances  of  the  several  shoals,  reefs,  .  | 
bars,  points  of  land  and  every  other  matter  they  or 
anjr  three  of  the  master  and  wardens  may  thiuk  pro- 
per, tending  to  promote  the  safe  navigation  of  vessels 
between  the  city  and  Sandy  Hook. 

All  vessels  of  50  tons,  not  belonging  to  citizens  of 
the  United  States,  must  be  reported  at  the  wardens* 


APPENDIX. 


office,  by  the  master,  or  one  of  the  owners  or  con- 
signees, within  43  hours  after  arrival,  under  a  penalty 
of  50  dollars.  The  following'  fees  are  paid  on  making 
the  report,  one- fourth  of  which  goes  to  the  pilot,  and 
the  residue  to  the  board  of  wardens  : 
Every  coasting  vessel  of  50  tons  burden  or 

upwards  $0  50 

Every  foreign  bottom,  if  less  than  100  tons,  4  00 
More  than  100  and  less  than  200       -       -      6  00 

 200  300       -       -      8  00 

If  300  and  upwards  -       -       -       -    10  00 

The  emoluments  granted  to  the  master  and  war- 
dens are  equally  divided  among  them. 

The  forfeitures,  fines  and  penalties,  after  payment 
of  law  costs,  must  be  paid,  on  the  1st  Monday  of 
June  annually,  to  the  trustees  of  the  "  Sailors'  Snug- 
Harbour  in  tiie  city  of  New- York,"  for  the  use  of 
that  corporation. 

No.  XVII. 

Pilots. 

RATES  AND  REGULATION 

Formerly  pilots  and  their  deputies  acted  under  the 
appointment  of  the  Governor  and  council.  By  an 
act  passed  9th  April  1813,  power  is  conferred  on  the 
master  and  wardens  to  grant  licenses  to  fit  and  proper 
persons,  not  exceeding  30  in  number,  to  act  as  pilots 
and  deputy  pilots  for  the  port  of  New- York.  Before 
appointment,  they  are  examined  by  the  wardens  in 
presence  of  one  or  more  licensed  pilots  :  such  as  have 
served  5  years  apprenticeship  to  a  licensed  pilot  and 
otherwise  qualified,  are  preferred  before  all  other 
applicants.  Next  to  these,  such  as  have  served  for 
2  years  as  deputes  under  a  licensed  pilot.  Persons 
acting  as  pilots  for  hire,  by  the  way  of  Sandy  Hook 


APPKNDIX. 


without  a  license,  forfeit  50  dollar*  ;  through  the 
.Sound  or  Hell-Gate  30  dollars.  Pilots  and  deputes 
must  enter  into  recognizances,  with  two  sureties  of 
260  dollars  each,  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  their 
duty. 

Every  pilot  must  be  proprietor  or  part  proprietor 
of  a  piiot  boat,  to  be  kept  exclusively  employed  as 
such.  Only  two  boats'  crews,  not  exceeding*  20  per- 
sons, exclusive  of  apprentices,  to  be  in  partnership, 
without  special  permission  from  the  wardens.  Pe- 
nalty 50  dollars,  and  liable  to  be  suspended. 

Pilots  must  give  a  true  report  of  every  vessel  to 
Ihe  wardens'  office,  within  24  hours  after  arrival  in 
port,  under  a  penalty  of  10  dollars.  ?>lisbehaviour 
when  on  duty,  subjects  a  pilot  to  a  fine  not  exceeding 
25  dollars,  or  to  suspension,  in  the  option  of  the  war- 
dens, besides  being"  liable  to  the  owners  of  the  vessel 
nr  cargo  for  damages.  For  losing  a  vessel  he  is  de- 
clared incapable  of  acting  asa  pi'otin  this  state;  and 
forfeits  all  claim  for  pilotage  if  he  runs  a  vessel 
ashore.  On  suspension,  pilots  must  deliver  up  their 
licenses  to  the  wardens  under  {he  penalty  of  100  dol- 
lars for  each  refusal. 

Fees  of  pilotage  to  and  from  the  eastward  cr  south- 
ward of  the  ov  ter  middle  ground. 
For  every  ship  or  vessel  drawing  less  than  14  feet 
watejvper  foot     -      -      -      -  -4125 
For  ditto       18  ditto     -       -       1  50 

18  or  upw-Hs  ditto  2 
Additional  Fees. 
Between  1  st  December  and  1st  April  inclusive,  for 
even7  ship  or  vessel  drawing  10  feet  and 

upwards  -    S  4  00 

drawing  less  than  10  feet  -  -  -  2  00 
Foreign  bottoms,  one  fourth  the  usual  rate  of  pilotage* 
When  a  vessel  is  taken  charge  of  at  such  dis-  } 

lance  from  land  as  that  Sandy  Hook  can-  >  dittc. 
not  be  seen  in  the  day  I  ime  in  fair  weather,  ) 
Cvery  day  waiting  on  board  for  a  fair  wind  or  other- 
wise        ------       $3  6.Q 


APPENDIX. 


297 


If  the  master  of  a  vessel  moors  her  within  Sandy 
Hook,  the  piiot  is  entitled  to  the  same  pilotage,  aud 
to  be  discharged  within  24  hours  thereafter. 

Half  pilotage  only  when  a  pilot  takes  charge  of  a 
ship,  coming  into  port,  to  the  westward  of  the  outer 
middle  ground. 

No  pilotage  whatever  for  a  vessel  coming  to  New- 
York,  unless  charge  of  her  is  taken  to  the  southward 
of  the  upper  middle  ground,  and  such  vessel  be  at 
least  70  tons  burden.  But  if  the  usual  signal  for  a 
pilot  is  made,  half  pilotage  is  allowed. 

Extra  fees  are  chargeable  for  relieving  vessels  in 
distress,  which  may  be  agreed  upon  between  the 
master  aud  the  pilot,  or  referred  to  the  wardens. 

Masters  of  vessels  refusing  to  receive  a  pilot  on 
board  at  the  proper  station,  pay  half  the  usual  fees. 

Pilots  carried  to  sea  receive  during  their  detention-, 
at  the  rate  of  75  dollars  a  month,  besides  the  usual 
pilotage. 

Pilots  offering  their  services  to  coasting  vessels 
|  through  Hell-Gate,  after  a  signal  has  been  hoisted, 
iare  entitled  to  three  fourths  of  the  usual  rates  if  not 

accepted,  or  detained  on  board  waiting  for  a  fair 

wind,  or  otherwise. 


No.  XVIII. 

Directions  of  the  Humane  Society  for  the  recovery  of 
persons  apparently  dead  from  drowning ;  and  to 
prevent  the  fatal  effects  of  drinking  cold-  water. 

1st.  Avoid  any  violent  agitation  of  the  body,  such 
as  rolling  it  on  a  cask,  or  hanging  it  up  by  the  heels % 
but  carefully  convey  it  with  the  head  a  little  raised, 
to  the  nearest  house. 

2d.  Strip  and  dry  the  body,  and  lay  it  in  a  warm 
blanket,  which  must  be  renewed  every  few  minutes. 
If  a  child,  place  it  between  two  persons  in  a  warm 
bed, 


298 


APPENDIX* 


3d.  Immediately  apply  warm  spirits  or  brandy  to 
the  temples,  breast,  belly,  feet,  and  hands;  at  "the 
same  time,  the  whole  body  should  be  diligently  rub- 
bed with  warm  woollen  cloths,  or  if  at  hand,  immerse 
the  body  in  a  warm  bath. 

4th.  Introduce  the  pipe  of  a  pair  of  bellows  into 
one  nostril,  keep  the  other  nostril  and  the  mouth 
closed,  inflate  the  lungs  till  the  breast  be  a  little 
raised;  the  mouth  and  nostrils  must  then  be  left  free, 
and  the  chest  gently  pressed  in  imitation  of  natural 
breathing;  the  bellows  should  then  be  applied  ns  be-? 
fore,  and  the  whole  process  repeated  and  continued 
at  least  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes. 

5th.  Inject  into  the  botvels,  by  means  of  a  syringe, 
a  pint  of  warm  spirits  and  water,  composed  of  one 
part  of  the  former  and  two  of  the  latter :  this  injec- 
tion the  Society  prefer  to  tobacco  smoke,  usually  re- 
commended in  cases  of  this  sort. 

6th.  vVhen  the  physician  wno  nas  tne  care  of  the 
apparatus,  arrives  with  the  same,  he  will,  with  the 
machine  for  this  purpose,  inject  into  the  stomach 
some  warm  spirits  and  water,  with  a  small  quantity 
of  spirits  of  hartshorn,  or  cause  such  other  remedies 
to  be  applied  as  are  indicated. 

7th.  Renew  the  external  application  of  hot  spirits 
to  the  surface  of  the  body,  and  diligently  continue 
the  friction  with  woollen  cloths  at  least  two  hours? 
or  till  signs  of  returning  life  are  apparent. 

8th.  Do  not  despair — by  perseverance  in  warm 
friction  alone  many  lives  have  been  restored,  and  in 
some  instances  where  the  bodies  have  remained  in 
the  water  for  the  space  of  half  an  hour. 

To  prevent  the  fatal  effects  of  drinking  cold  water. 

1st.  Avoid  drinking  whilst  the  body  is  heated,  or 
during  profuse  perspiration. 

2d.  Wash  the  hands  and  face  with  cold  water  be- 
fore drinking. 

3d.  If  these  precautions  have  been  neglected;  an<2 


cramps,  or  convulsions  have  been  induced,  let  a  tea- 
spoonful  of  laudanum  be  given  immediately  in  a  cup 
of  spirits  and  water ;  and  repeat  the  dose  in  half  an 
hour  if  necessary. 

4th.  At  the  same  time  apply  fomentations  of  spirits 
and  water  to  the  stomach  ami  bowels,  and  to  the  lower 
extremities,  covering  the  body  with  a  blanket ;  or 
immerse  the  body  in  a  warm  bath,  if  it  can  be  imme- 
diately obtained. 

5th.  Inject  into  the  bowels  a  pint  of  spirits  and 
water,  mixed  in  the  proportion  of  one  part  of  the 
former  to  two  of  the  latter. 

With  the  view  of  carrying*  into  effect  the  foregoing; 
directions,  the  society  have  appointed  six  physicians^ 
who  are  provided  with  the  necessary  apparatus,  and 
whose  province  it  is  to  take  charge  of  such  persons 
as  are  contemplated  in  this  provision,  and  on  whom 
our  citizens  are  requested  to  call  when  accidents  of 
this  nature  may  occur. 


No.  XIX. 

Slave  Regulations. 

From  and  after  the  first  day  of  May,  1810,  no  per- 
son held  as  a  slave  shall  be  imported,  introduced  or 
brought  into  this  state  on  any  pretence  whatever  by 
any  person  or  persons  coming  permanently  to  reside 
within  the  same,  and  that  any  person  residing  within 
this  state  for  the  space  of  nine  months,  shall  be  con- 
sidered as  having  a  permanent  residence  therein, 
within  the  meaning  of  this  act;  but  it  shall  not  be 
construed  to  extend  to  such  persons  as  may  reside 
within  this  state  for  a  shorter  period  ;  and  if  any  per- 
son so  held  as  a  slave  shall  be  so  imported,  introduced 
or  brought  into  this  state  contrary  to  the  true  intent 
and  meaning  of  this  act,  he  or  she  shall  be  and  is 
hereby  declared  free* 


300 


APPEIVDIX. 


To  evade  the  existing  laws  of  this  state  concern- 
ing the  importation  and  transfer  of  slaves,  persons 
residing  in  adjacent  states  have  manumitted  their 
slaves  and  afterwards  induced  them  to  indent  or  bind 
t  hemselves  for  a  term  of  years  to  certain  persons  citi- 
zens of  this  state,  receiving-  at  the  same  time  for  such 
term  of  service,  a  price  or  consideration  equal  to  the 
full  value  of  the  slave,  whereby  the  persons  so  manu- 
mitted are  not  only  reduced  back  to  a  state  of  virtual 
bondage,  but  after  having  grown  c()  old  in  scrvi.  e  as 
to  be  incapable  of  gaining  a  subsistence,  are  turned 
out  to  become  a  charge  on  the  community,  to  the 
great  burthen  of  the  public,  ami  against  the  tfoe  in- 
tent and  meaning  of  the  laws  of  this  state ;  therefor*, 

No  indenture,  contract  or  bond,  COnditi 
personal  service,  hereafter  entered  into  or  made  by 
any  person  who  has  been  holden  or  possessed  as  a 
slave  by  any  person  without  this  state,  shall  be  in  any 
manner  obligatory  within  this  state  on  the  person  so 
bound  to  service,  but  the  same  is  hereby  declared  to 
be  utterly  void;  and  if  any  such  person  so  having 
been  holden  as  a  slave  shall  be  indented  or  bound 
contrary  to  the  intent  of  this  act,  he  or  she  shall 
thereafter  be  free. 

No  slave  shall  hereafter  be  imported  or  brought 
into  this  state,  unless  the  person  importing  or  bring- 
ing such  slave  shall  be  coming  into  this  state  with 
intent  to  reside  permanently  therein,  and  shall  have 
resided  without  this  state,  and  shall  also  have  owned 
such  slave  at  least  one  year  next  preceding  the  im- 
porting or  bringing  in  of  such  dave;  And  further* 
That  every  person  importing  or  bringing  any  such 
slave  into  this  state,  shall  within  one  year  thereafter, 
make  oath  or  affirmation  before  a  judge,  mayor,  re- 
corder, alderman,  or  justice  of  the  peace,  that  such 
person  hath  resided  out  of  this  state  during  one  year 
next  preceding  the  importing  or  bringing  of  such 
slave  into  this  state,  and  that  during  the  same  year 
sttfcto  slave  hath  been  the  property  of  such  person  : 


APPENDIX. 


301 


and  a  certificate  signed  by  the  judge,  mayor,  re- 
corder, alderman,  or  justice  before  whom  the  said 
oath  or  affirmation  shall  have  been  made,  certify- 
ing" that  the  said  oath  or  affirmation  hath  been  made 
by  the  person  importing  such  slave,  shall,  within  one 
month  after  the  making  thereof  be  filed  in  the  office 
of  the  clerk  of  the  city  or  county  wherein  the  person 
importing  such  slave  shall  reside ;  and  if  any  person 
whatsoever  shall  bring  or  import  into  this  State  any 
slave  contrary  to  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  this 
act ;  or  being  permitted  by  this  act  to  import  and 
bring  such  slave  into  this  state,  shall  neglect  to  make 
such  oath  and  file  such  certificate  as  aforesaid,  then 
every  such  slave  shall  be  free. 

If  any  person  whatsoever  within  this  state,  shall 
under  any  colour  or  pretext  whatever,  sell  as  a 
slave  or  transfer  for  any  period  whatever  any  person 
who  shall  hereafter  be  imported  or  brought  into  this 
state  as  a  slave,  every  person  so  selling  or  trans- 
ferring such  slave,  and  his  or  her  factor  or  agent 
making  such  sale  or  transferring  shall  be  deemed 
guilty  of  a  public  offence,  and  shall  for  every  such 
offence  forfeit  the  sum  of  250  dollars,  to  be  re- 
covered with  costs  of  suit  by  any  person  who  shall 
sue  for  the  same,  by  action  of  debt  in  any  court  of 
record  having  cognizance  thereof;  the  one  half  of 
which  forfeiture  shall  be  paid  to  the  treasurer  cf  this 
state  for  the  use  of  the  people  thereof,  and  the  other 
half  to  the  person  who  shall  sue  for  the  same  to 
effect :  And  further,  That  every  person  so  imported 
or  brought  into  this  state  and  sold  contrary  to  the 
true  intent  and  meaning  of  this  act,  shall  be  free. 

If  any  person  shall  export  any  slave,  or  any  ser- 
vant born  of  a  slave  and  made  free  by  virtue  of 
this  act,  to  any  place  without  this  state,  except  as 
is  hereinafter  provided,  every  person  so  exporting 
or  attempting  to  export  such  slave  or  servant,  and 
every  person  aiding  or  consenting  to  such  exporta- 
iation  or  attempt  to  export,  shall  be  deemed  guilty 
2  C 


302 


AFFENDIX. 


of  a  public  offence,  and  shall  for  every  such  offence 
forfeit  the  sum  of  250  dollars,  to  be  recovered  and 
paid  in  like  manner  as  the  forfeiture  mentioned  in 
the  last  preceding  section  is  directed  to  be  recover- 
ed and  paid,  and  the  slave  or  servant  so  exported, 
or  attempted  to  be  exported,  shall  be  free. 

It  shall  be  lawful  for  any  person,  not  an  inhabitant 
of  this  state,  who  shall  be  travelling  to  or  from,  or 
passing  through  this  state,  to  bring  with  him  any 
slave,  and  take  such  slave  with  him  from  this  state. 

Every  master  of  a  vessel  who  shall  receive  on 
board  his  vessel  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  out  of 
this  state  any  slave  for  whose  exportation  such  li- 
cense as  aforesaid  hath  not  been  obtained,  shall  be 
deemed  guilty  of  a  public  offence,  and  shall  forfeit 
the  sum  of  250  dollars  for  every  slave  so  received  on 
board,  to  be  recovered  and  paid  in  like  manner  as 
the  forfeiture  last  before  mentioned  is  directed  to  be 
recovered  and  paid. 

If  any  person  shall  employ,  harbour,  conceal  or 
entertain  any  slave  or  such  servant  as  aforesaid, 
knowing  such  slave  or  servant  to  belong  to  any  other 
person,  without  the  consent  of  such  owner,  such 
person  shall  forfeit  to  the  owner  of  such  slave  or  ser- 
vant the  sum  of  12  dollars  50  cents  for  every  24 
hours,  and  in  that  proportion  for  a  greater  or  less  time, 
while  such  slave  or  servant  shall  have  been  so  em- 
ployed, harboured,  concealed  or  entertained  ;  but 
such  forfeiture  shall  not  in  the  whole  exceed  the 
value  of  such  slave,  or  of  the  service  such  owner  is 
entited  to  receive  from  such  servant :  And  further, 
If  any  person  shall  be  guilty  of  harbouring,  enter- 
taining or  concealing,  or  of  assisting  to  convey  away 
any  such  slave  or  servant,  and  such  slave  or  servant 
be  lost  or  die,  such  person  shall  forfeit  to  the  owner 
of  such  slave  or  servant,  the  value  of  such  slave,  or 
of  the  service  such  owner  shall  be  entitled  to  re- 
ceive from  such  servant;  all  of  which  forfeitures 


APPENDIX. 


303 


may  be  recovered  by  action  of  debt,  with  costs  of 
suit,  in  any  court  having  cognizance  thereof. 

If  any  person  shall  trade  or  traffic  with  any  such 
slave  or  servant,  either  in  buying"  or  selling  without 
the  consent  of  the  owner  of  such  slave,  or  the  mas- 
ter or  mistress  of  such  servant,  such  person  shall  for 
every  offence  forfeit  treble  the  value  of  the  articles 
so  bought  or  sold,  and  also  the  sum  of  12  dollars  50 
cents  to  the  owner  of  such  slave  or  servant,  to  be 
recovered  with  costs  against  such  person  by  action 
of  debt,  in  any  court  having  cognizance  thereof,  and 
every  contract  so  made  with  such  slave  or  servant 
shall  be  void. 

If  any  person  shall  sell  any  rum  or  other  strong 
liquor  to  any  such  slave  or  servant,  without  the  con- 
sent of  the  owner  of  such  slave  or  the  master  or 
mistress  of  such  servant,  such  person  shall  forfeit 
for  every  such  offence  the  sum  of  5  dollars,  to  be 
recovered  in  the  name  of  the  owner  of  such  slave 
or  servant  with  costs,  by  an  action  of  debt  in  any 
court  having  cognizance  thereof,  the  one  half  of 
which  forfeiture  when  recovered  shall  be  paid  by 
such  owner  to  the  overseers  of  the  poor  of  the 
city  or  town  where  such  offence  shall  he  com- 
mitted. 

If  any  person  shall  by  theft  or  trespass  committed 
by  any  such  slave  or  servant.,  sustain  damage  to  the 
value  of  12  dollars  and  50  cents  or  under,  the  owner 
of  such  slave  or  the  master  or  mistress  of  such  ser- 
vant shall  be  liable  to/make  satisfaction  for  the  same 
to  the  party  injured,  to  be  recovered  by  action  of 
debt,  with  costs,  in  any  court  having  cognizance 
thereof. 

If  any  such  slave  shall  strike  a  white  person,  it 
shall  be  lawful  on  proof  of  the  same  by  the  oath  of 
such  person  for  any  justice  of  the  peace  to  commit 
such  slave  to  gaol,  who  shall  thereupon  be  tried  and 
punished  as  in  cases  of  pettit  larceny  according  to 
^he  act,  entitled  "  An  act  declaring  the  powers  of 


304 


APPEMUA. 


the  courts  of  general  sessions  of  the  peace,  and  the 
powers  and  duties  of  justices  of  the  peace ;"  but 
in  all  other  cases  such  slave  shall  have  the  privilege 
of  trial  by  jury. 

No  such  slave  shall  be  a  witness  in  any  case 
except  for  or  against  another  slave  in  criminal 
cases. 

Where  any  slave  shall  hereafter  be  convicted  in 
the  supreme  court,  or  in  any  court  of  Oyer  and 
Terminer  and  gaol  delivery  or  general  sessions  of 
the  peace,  of  any  crime  not  punishable  with  death, 
or  with  imprisonment  in  the  state  prison  for  life,  it 
shall  be  lawful  for  the  master  or  mistress  of  such 
slave  to  cause  such  slave  to  be  transported  out  of 
this  state :  Provided,  That  the  court  before  which 
such  conviction  may  be  had  shall  previously  certify, 
that  the  crime  whereof  such  slave  shall  be  convicted 
is  of  such  a  nature  that  transportation  would  be  a 
proper  punishment:  And  provided  a/$o,  That  such 
court  may  also  inflict  such  other  punishment  on 
such  slave  as  from  the  nature  of  the  offence  and  the 
course  of  the  law  they  may  judge  proper. 


Slaves  and  Servants. 

It  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  every  person  who 
shall  have  resided  10  years  within  this  state,  and  who 
shall  be  about  to  remove  permanently  therefrom,  to 
carry  with  him  or  her  every  such  slave  as  shall  have 
been  the  property  of  such  person  during  10  years 
next  preceding :  Provided,  That  before  such  person 
shall  attempt  to  carry  away  such  slave  out  of  this 
state,  he  or  she  shall  make  legal  proof,  before  a  judge 
of  the  court  of  common  pleas  of  the  county,  or  before 
the  mayor  or  recorder  of  the  city  in  which  he  or  she 
last  resided,  that  such  slave  hath  been  his  or  her 
property  during  ten  years  then  next  preceding ;  and 
shall  also  prove  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  said  judge, 


APPENDIX.  305 

mayor  or  recorder,  by  the  oath  of  two  credible  wit- 
nesses, who  shall  be  known  to  the  said  judge,  mayor 
or  recorder,  or  who  shall  be  proved  to  the  satisfac- 
tion of  such  judge,  mayor  or  recorder,  to  be  credible 
witnesses,  that  such  person  intending-  to  carry  away 
such  slave  out  of  this  state,  hath  resided  within  this 
state  during"  the  ten  years  next  preceding ;  and  that 
such  slave  hath  been  in  the  service  or  employment 
of  such  person,  as  a  slave,  duirig  that  time,  and 
shall  obtain  a  licence  from  such  judge,  mayor  or  re- 
corder to  carry  such  slave  out  of  the  state  :  And  pro- 
vided also,  That  nothing  in  this  act  contained  shall 
be  deemed  or  taken  to  authorize  any  person,  so  re- 
siding as  aforesaid,  who  shall  be  entitled  to  any  slave 
or  servant  for  a  time  only,  or  shall  hold  such  slave 
or  servant  upon  condition  of  services  for  a  term  of 
years,  and  who  shall  be  about  to  remove  permanently 
from  this  state,  to  take  such  slave  or  servant  there- 
from; and  every  master  of  a  vessel,  who  shall  receive 
on  board  his  vessel  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  out  of 
this  state,  any  slave  for  whose  exportation  such  li- 
cence as  aforesaid  shall  have  been  obtained,  shall  be 
deemed  guilty  of  a  public  offence,  and  for  every  such 
offence  shall  forfeit  the  sum  of  250  dollars,  for  every 
slave  so  received  on  board,  to  be  recovered  and  paid 
in  like  manner  as  the  forfeiture  is  directed  to  be  re- 
covered and  paid,  in  and  by  the  5th  section  of  the 
said  act. 

If  any  person  shall  knowingly  and  wilfully  swear 
falsely  on  any  oath  or  deposition  made  or  taken  by 
virtue  of,  or  pursuant  to  this  act,  or  by  virture  of  or 
pursuant  to  the  said  act  concerning  slaves  and  ser- 
vants, such  false  swearing  shall  be  deemed  and  taken 
to  be  wilful  and  corrupt  perjury,  and  the  person 
thereof  convicted  to  be  guilty  of  wilful  and  corrupt 
perjury,  and  be  liable  to  all  the  pains  and  penalties 
thereof. 


2  C  2 


30t> 


ADDENDA- 


[Since  the  preceding*  pages  were  printed,  we  hare 
been  favoured  with  the  following*  particulars.] 

The  Forum. — This  Institution  is  composed  of  mem- 
bers of  the  bar,  who  debate  publicly  with  the  view  of 
improvement  in  the  art  of  speaking*.  It  was  opened 
28th  Nov.  1816,  and  the  members  meet  every  Friday 
Evening  during*  the  winter,  in  the  City-Hotel.  The 
meetings  are  attended  by  fashionable  and  literary 
audiences,  and  after  the  members  have  been  heard 
on  any  topic  under  discussion,  the  debate  is  open  to 
the  public.  The  admission  is  25  cerits,  and  the  pro- 
fits are  appropriated  to  charitable  purposes.  The 
number  of  members  is  limited  to  thirty. 


LANE'S  PORTABLE  OPEN  PATENT  STOVE. 
^^sm*  TTlHE  subscriber  ha- 

w      ^HBH  ving  purchased  the 


dwelling-rooms,  bed-rooms,  nurseries,  stores,  count- 
ing"- houses,  offices,  &c.  &c.  with  all  the  advantages 
of  a  close  stove  to  kindle  the  fire,  and  when  open 
the  fuel  consumes  moderately,  and  furnishes  an 
agreeable  warmth  to  the  room,  having  none  of  the 
disagreeable  effects  of  the  close  stove.  This  Stove 
is  calculated  for  either  wood  or  coal  (having  grates  :) 
beside,  it  may  be  placed  where  any  other  Stove  may 
be  put ;  but  is  particularly  intended  to  be  placed  to 
any  fire-place  in  a  room,  store,  &c.,  the  pipe  pass- 
ing into  the  chimney  through  a  fire -board  or  brick- 
work, under  the  mantle,  (the  closure  to  be  as  close 
as  possible.) 

The  Stove,  standing  on  legs  affixed  permanent  to 
the  Stove,  and  by  handles  also  affixed  to  the  Stove, 
may  be  removed  from  room  to  room  in  a  few  minutes, 
with  the  pipe,  which  is  also  affixed  secure  to  the 


privilege  of  manufac- 
turing and  vending 
Lane's  Patent  Stoves 
for  the  present  sea- 
son, offers  them  for 
sale,  with  sanguine 
hopes  of  meeting  with 
encouragement  from 
a  generous  Public. — 
Many  gentlemen  of 
genius  and  science, 
from  experiment  and 
observation,  have  de- 
cidedly given  their  ap- 
probation in  their  fa- 
vour, as  preferable  to 
any  before  offered  to 
the  public,  for  warm- 
ing rooms  with  the 
least  quantity  of  fuel. 
They  are  exceedingly 
well    calculated  for 


stove.  The  larger  Stoves,  although  open,  are  well 
calculate,]  for  cooking,  &c.    EL1J  \H  KELLOGG. 

N.  B.  The  Stoves  are  for  sale  at  toe  Stove  vV are- 
room  of  the  subscriber  in  Elizabeth-town,  and  at  the 
Store  of  Messrs.  Cornell  &  Nostrand,  corner  of 
Pearl  and  Fulton  streets,  New- York. 

Elizabvth-town,  Sept.  17,  1817. 

Haying  used  one  of  Mr  Aaron  Lane's  Patent 
Stoves  during'  the  last  winter,  1  am  pleased  with  it 
on  several  accounts :  for  when  ornamented  with 
brass,  they  form  an  agreeable  piece  of  furniture,  and 
have  not  that  gloomy  appearance  with  which  the 
common  stoves  meet  the  eye;  and  carrying  smoke 
so  well  with  the  door  open,  after  the  fire  is  kindled, 
they  do  not  cause  such  painful  sensations  in  the  head 
as  many  other  kinds  of  stoves  do  when  fixed  out  of 
the  fire-place ;  and  although  I  am  persuaded  they  do 
not  consume  more  than  one  half  the  quantity  of  wood 
which  is  necessary  in  a  common  fire-place,  yet  they 
diffuse  an  a^ree^ble  warmth  throughout  the  whole 
room;  and  their  safety  from  communicating  fire, 
greatly,  in  my  opinion,  enhances  their  value  and 
recommends  their  use. — In  order  to  this  safety,  the 
insMe  of  the  fire-boards  (if  such  are  used)  should  be 
covered  with  two  coats  of  thick  white- wash,  made 
of  lime.  Rev.  THOMAS  MORRELL. 

The  subscriber  most  cheerfully  acquiesces  in  the 
above  recommendation  of  Lane's  Patent  Stoves,  and 
feels  a  confidence  that  thev  who  make  a  fair  trial  of 
them  will  be  pleased  with  them.    J.  M< DO  WELL. 

The  subscribers,  having  used  Lane's  Patent  Stoves 
during  the  last  winter,  are  well  pleased  with  their 
utility,  as  calculated  to  warm  the  room  with  less  fuel 
than  any  with  which  we  are  acquainted,  and  fully 
concur  in  opinion  as  expressed  by  the  Rev.  T.  Mor- 
rell  and  J.  M'Dowell. 

Elihu  Brittin,      Jeremiah  Ballard,  Esq 

David  Mekker,      William  Shute, 

Oliver  Hatfield,  Isaac  Cra^ne, 

J.  Bovd,  E.  Hall. 

W.  R.  Williamson,  Esq. 
EUzabctk-to-jcn.  Sept.  1817, 


BOOK  STORE  AND  LOTTERY  OFFICE. 
SAMUEL  A.  BURTUS, 


York.  Most  of  the  eastern,  southern,  and 
northern  bank  notes,  also  prize  tickets  in  former  lot- 
teries taken  in  payment  for  tickets.  A  correct 
check-book  kept  for  the  examination  of  all  tickets 
gratis. 

Cash  given  for  prizes  as  soon  as  drawn,  or  prizes 
taken  in  payment  for  undrawn  tickets. 

Orders  for  tickets  [postpaid)  inclosing"  bank  notes, 
attended  to  with  the  utmost  punctuality,  and  the  ear- 
liest information  given  of  their  fate. 

%.*  A  general  assortment  of  books  and  stationary 
for  sale  on  moderate  terms.     New- York,  Oct.  1817. 

BRASS  &  COPPER  GOODS  WAREHOUSE. 

JONATHAN  FAY  would  inform  the  public  that 
he  continues  to  manufacture,  at  his  old  esta- 
blished stand.  No.  159  Cherry-street,  New- York, 
copper  sheathing-  nails,  spikes,  bolts,  rivets  for  stills, 
spelter  solder ;  brass  andirons,  tong-s,  and  shovels, 
jamb  hooks,  pokers,  &c.  &c.  of  the  latest  fashions. 
Also,  every  description  of  castings,  made  on  the 
shortest  notice  and  in  the  neatest  manner. 
Oct.  1817. 


HARDWARE,  CUTLERY,  &c. 

OSBORN  &  CORNELL,  No.  29  Fulton-street, 
(late  Beekman-slip,)  New- York,  at  the  sign  of 
the  Gilt  Plane,  have  constantly  on  hand,  locks,  hin  j 
ges,  and  screws,  knives  and  forks,  razors  and  scissors, 
pen  and  pocket  knives,  brass  nails  and  nails  of  all 
kinds,  shovels  and  spades,  anvils  and  vices,  sledge, 
hand,  and  carpenters'  hammers ;  planes ;  mill,  cross- 
cut, pit,  and  hand  saws ;  files  and  rasps,  smoothing 
irons,  brass  kettles,  hollow  ware,  patent  sauce  pans^ 
tea  kettles,  iron  and  brass  wire,  English  blistered 
and  cast  steel,  &c.  &c. 

The  whole  being  laid  in  at  the  very  lowest  prices, 
will  be  disposed  of  on  the  most  reasonable  terms. 


corner  of  W ater-street,  New- 


Oct.  1817. 


MATTHEW  HAWKINS, 


SASH  MAKER  AND  GLAZIER,  at  his  old  es- 
tablished Window  and  Sash  Manufactory,  No. 
404  Broadway,  New-York,  makes  and  glazes  Win- 
dow Sashes  of  every  description.  Fancy  Fansash, 
Window  Shutters,  and  Panel  Doors. 

Any  orders  from  southern  or  West  India  friends 
will  be  thankfully  received  and  punctually  attended 
to.  Oct.  1817. 


MAHOGANY  YARD. 

NO.  57  Fulton-street,  New-York.  J.  F.  GOULD 
keeps  constantly  on  hand  a  general  assortment 
Of  Mahogany  Boards,  Planks,  Joists,  and  Veneers,  of 
a  superior  quality,  cheap  for  cash  or  approved  cre- 
dit Oct.  1817. 


INTERESTING  TO  THE  PUBLIC. 

BURFIT  KEELER,  BOOT  $  SHOE  MA- 
NUFACTURER, informs  his  friends  and  cus- 
tomers, and  the  public  in  general,  that  he  has  taken 
the  Store  No.  40  Cedar-street,  next  door  to  the  cor- 
ner, and  on  the  east  side  of  Broadway,  and  intends 
to  carry  on  his  business  on  a  new  plan.  He  will 
sell  for  cash  and  cash  only  ;  ari^  he  will  moderate  his 
price  accordingly — he  will  sell  Wellington  Boots  for 
$8  50,  and  long  boots  for  &;0;  the  former  being  15, 
and  the  latter  20  per  cent,  cheaper,  than  the  present 
price  of  those  articles  in  this  city.  He  will  always 
have  the  best  of  workmen  in  his  employ,  and  will 
warrant  his  work  to  be  as  good  as  any  made  in  this 
city.  Waterloo  Boots  for  $6  ;  fine  handsome  light 
made  Shoes  for  $3,  and  Pumps  for  $2  75. 

He  has  thought  it  for  his  interest  to  adopt 
this  rule  of  selling  for  cash  only,  and  he  conceives 
that  none  of  his  customers  will  have  cause  to  com- 
plain, considering  the  reduced  prices  at  which  he  in- 
tends to  sell.  Oct.— 1817, 


FANCY  AND  WINDSOR  CHAIR  STORE. 

JOHN  K.  COW  PERTH  WAITE,  informs  his 
friends  and  the  public,  that  he  has  on  hand  at  his 
long  established  factory,  No.  4  Chatham-square,  ex- 
tending through  to  No.  2  Catharine- street,  New- 
York,  an  elegant  and  large  assortment  of  curled  ma- 
ple, bronze,  and  painted  Fancy  Chairs ;  likewise  an 
extensive  assortment  of  Windsor  Chairs,  Settees,  &c. 
of  the  newest  fashions  and  warranted  well  finished, 
which  he  offers  for  sale  on  the  most  reasonable  and 
accommodating  terms. 

All  orders  will  be  thankfully  received  and  at- 
tended to  with  punctuality  and  despatch, 
A  liberal  allowance  to  shippers. 
N.  B.  Old  Chairs  repaired,  painted,  and  re-gilt. 
Oct.  1817. 

'  THOMAS  L.  RICH, 

MERCHANT-TAILOR,  No.  9  Wall-street, 
New -York,  informs  the  public,  that  all  orders 
he  may  be  favored  with,  shall  be  executed  in  a  su- 
perior style,  and  on  the  most  reasonable  terms. 

%*  Navy  and  Military  Officers,  furnished  in  the 
most  recent  manner.  Oct — 1817. 


THOMAS  SMYTH, 

SMITH  IN  GENERAL,  No.  3  Dey-street,  New- 
York.  Parlour  Grates,  Fenders  and  Pans  of  a  very 
superior  and  fashionable  kind.  Oct.  1817. 

^LOOKING  GLASS  MANUFACTORY. 

JOHN  STEEN  No.  161  Fulton  Street,  New- York 
Prints  &  Needle  Work  Neatly  Framed* 
Oct.  1817. 


J&  I.  COX,  No.  4  Court- 
•  landt-street,  near  Broad- 
way, New-York,  importers 
of  the  Liverpool  Patent 
Lamps,  thankful  to  the  pub- 
lic and  their  friends  for  the 
liberal  patronage  they  have 
hitherto  met  with,  hope,  by 
unremitting  exertions,  to  me- 
rit a  continuance  of  their  fa- 
vours. They  have  the  satis- 
faction to  inform  them  that 
they  have  always  on  hand  an 
extensive  assortment  of  the 
above  Lamps.  Likewise,  a 
superb  assortment  of  Stand 
Lamps,  intended  for  chim- 
nej'-pieces,  sideboards,  coun- 
ters, tables,  &c.  of  elegw.t 
and  new  patterns — the  puL- 
lic  and  their  friends  are  re- 
spectfully solicited  to  call  and  inspect  them.  These 
Lamps  have  met  with  continual  approbation  ;  the  pur- 
chaser having  such  peculiar  advantage  over  any  where 
else,  their  lamps  being  warranted  perfect,  and  should 
they  prove  otherwise,  they  are  requested  to  return  them, 
where  they  will  be  made  perfect  gratis — and  from  their 
thorough  knowledge  of  the  business,  undertake  to  clean 
and  repair  lamps,  and  make  them  equal  to  new. 

N.  B.  All  orders  in  their  line  executed  with  faithful, 
ness  and  punctuality*  Oct. — 1817, 


THE 
PICTURE 
OF 

NEW  YORK 

OR  THE 
STRANGER'S 
GUIDE 


1825 


ivtryJ 

Vm:ti 


